DETROIT LAKES, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—A 27-year-old woman from rural Detroit Lakes, Alexandria Rose Burley, has been charged in Becker County District Court with one felony count of child endangerment and one gross misdemeanor count of child endangerment following a disturbing case of suspected abuse.
Incident Details
Date of Incident: September 23, 2024
Location: A preschool in Detroit Lakes, MN
Responding Agencies: Detroit Lakes Police Department, Becker County Sheriff’s Office
Police were called to a Detroit Lakes preschool after staff noticed severe bruising on the back of a 3-year-old boy’s head and neck. Concerned about the extent of the injuries, St. Mary’s EMS transported the child to St. Mary’s Emergency Room, where a doctor quickly determined that his injuries were not consistent with accidental self-harm, as his mother had claimed.
The child was later transferred to the Sanford Trauma Center in Fargo, where medical professionals diagnosed him with:
- A fractured skull
- Possible spinal injuries
- Signs of anemia
- Multiple bruises at different stages of healing
The injuries suggested ongoing abuse, and the child was immediately removed from Burley’s care.
Mother’s Statements & Investigation Findings
Burley’s Initial Explanation: Burley told investigators she had only noticed a small mark on his earlobe and had no idea how the injuries occurred. She suggested her son may have hurt himself by hitting his head against a wall.
Contradictory Statements:
As the investigation progressed, Burley’s story continued to change.
- At first, she denied any knowledge of how the boy was hurt.
- When confronted with text messages showing she had been out drinking, she admitted that she had been intoxicated on Friday night and fell while carrying him on the porch, causing them both to hit the concrete ground.
- Later, she added that her boyfriend, Travis Iverson, had struck the child, causing him to hit his head on a door.
Medical Records & Child Protection Report Findings:
In November 2024, medical records from Sanford Trauma Center documented:
Multiple blunt-force injuries consistent with physical abuse Evidence of THC in the child’s system, suggesting neglect or intentional exposure to drugs
Boyfriend’s Statement:
Iverson denied harming the boy but stated that Burley frequently became blackout drunk and may have been unaware of her actions.
Legal Proceedings & Court Conditions
Bail & Release Conditions (Jan. 29, 2025)
- Bail without conditions: $10,000
- Bail with conditions: $5,000 bond or $500 cash
- Burley posted $500 and was released under the following conditions:
- No alcohol or drug use
- No entering bars
- No contact with the child, except as permitted in the child protection case
Upcoming Court Appearance: Date: February 24, 2025
Judge: District Judge Michelle W. Lawson
Court: Becker County District Court
Case Outlook & Potential Penalties
Burley faces:
- Felony child endangerment, which carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- Gross misdemeanor child endangerment, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a $3,000 fine.
Authorities have not yet indicated if additional charges will be filed against Travis Iverson.
This is a developing case. Stay updated for more details.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me