A Texas daycare center, Kids ‘R’ Kids of Lawler Farm, is facing a lawsuit after the parents of a 3-year-old boy allege that their child was harmed by “uncontrolled” daycare staff and subjected to physical mistreatment.
The disturbing events, captured on surveillance footage, have led to charges of felony arson, child cruelty, and negligence, as the facility now faces a lengthy legal battle.
The Alleged Incident and Child Abuse
On May 1, 2026, a legal petition filed by parents Alexus Benavidez and Rauf Scott detailed a series of horrifying events that took place at the daycare. According to the petition, the couple’s son was subjected to “repeated inappropriate discipline” and “prohibited punishment methods,” including physical force and mistreatment by daycare workers.
One of the most disturbing allegations is that the 3-year-old boy was seen with a “busted lip” where his teeth had gone through his lip, an injury that was allegedly dismissed by the daycare as “normal, everyday injuries from kid play.”
The petition also claims that footage from the daycare’s surveillance cameras shows caregivers “yanking” and “smacking” the boy. At one point, a caregiver allegedly shoved the child into a chair, causing him to injure his leg, which resulted in bleeding. Despite the child’s visible distress, the caregiver allegedly ignored him as he limped away and had to tend to his injury on his own.
The Cover-Up Allegations
The lawsuit claims that Kids ‘R’ Kids was aware of the mistreatment before parents were informed. According to the petition, a parent had previously reported concerns about the daycare’s aggressive behavior, leading to the withdrawal of their own child.
However, instead of notifying the proper authorities or the parents, the daycare allegedly issued warnings to the employees involved and allowed them to remain in the facility.
A critical aspect of the case involves allegations that the daycare’s owner, Vijaykumar Selvaraj Elango, deleted video footage that captured the abuse. According to the petition, Elango instructed a staff member to delete footage that was critical to the investigation, effectively covering up the incident.
Investigations and Response
The incident sparked an investigation by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), which concluded that the daycare was aware of the mistreatment but failed to act appropriately.
In addition to the claims of physical abuse, the petition also highlights several other alarming incidents, such as a caregiver reportedly hitting a child in frustration and an episode where multiple children were left unsupervised on a splash pad.
In response to the lawsuit, the daycare’s owner expressed regret over the allegations, stating that the teachers involved were hired under “previous ownership” and were “immediately terminated” following the incident. He emphasized that the current staff is focused on ensuring the safety of children, asserting that children’s education and safety are paramount.
However, the parents are seeking justice for the trauma their son endured. In a statement, Alexus Benavidez expressed her horror and disbelief over the situation, emphasizing that she and her partner are filing the lawsuit not only for answers but to ensure that Kids ‘R’ Kids of Lawler Farm is held accountable for the harm caused.
