Internal injuries killed Russian boy

ODESSA, Texas, March 27 (UPI) —

The 3-year-old Russian boy adopted by a Texas couple had more than 30 bruises on his body when he was pronounced dead Jan. 21, an autopsy revealed.

The report released to the Odessa (Texas) American after a Freedom of Information request indicates Max Shatto had injuries that included abrasions, scratches, scars and bruises all over his body but the cause of his death was listed as bleeding from an internal laceration.

The doctor who saw Max twice at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Texas said he prescribed medication to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Dr. Bruce Eckel said in the autopsy report that the behaviors and injuries Max displayed were severe and consistent with a child suffering from a major psychological problem.

The autopsy report shows that three days before Max died, the Shattos ceased giving the boy the medication Eckel prescribed because they said it was affecting his ability to swallow his food.

Eckel said his records show Max was born to a 23-year-old Russian woman who had a history of drinking and drank during her pregnancy.