LCPD: Mother of abused girl more concerned about boyfriend ‘than her own children’

Las Cruces police arrested a man accused of striking his girlfriend’s 6-year-old daughter hard enough to leave a large bruise on the side of her face.

Isaac Karnell Payne, 28, of the 1800 block of Colorado Avenue, is charged with a single count of negligent child abuse.

Police officers were dispatched to Payne’s residence at about 10 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2019 after a woman noticed a large bruise on the side of her 6-year-old granddaughter’s face.

Police were told the girl had just returned home after attending an after-school event with Payne.

According to police officials, Payne told investigators he spanked the girl in his car because she had been misbehaving at the event. “Payne indicated he spanked the girl on her buttocks and the bruise to her face was from a seatbelt buckle. However, the girl’s facial bruise appeared to be in the shape of a hand,” police said.

When asked to explain the injury to the 6-year-old girl’s face Payne allegedly told investigators, “Ain’t no one did nothing to that (expletive) little girl.”

Police said the girl’s mother defended Payne, her boyfriend, and told investigators she is “fine” with letting Payne discipline her children.

“The girl’s mother also indicated that she has no concerns with her daughter’s injury,” police said, “When told Payne would be charged with child abuse, the girl’s mother appeared to be more concerned about Payne than her own children.”

Police said the 6-year-old girl and her two siblings are now in safe placement. Detectives are continuing their investigation and additional charges are possible.

Payne was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he is initially being held without bond.