In a horrifying crisis that exemplifies the depths of societal dysfunction, a Bronx mother desperately fought for her daughter’s life Wednesday night. Witnesses report that Karizma Dabeny kicked down a neighbor’s door, screaming for help after a brutal attack left her 12-year-old daughter scarred for life—an unimaginable assault involving a drill bit driven through the child’s nose into her eye.
Joshua Burnside, the girl’s stepfather, turned a family home into a scene of horror, repeatedly stabbing Dabeny before unleashing violence on the innocent girl. Neighbors recounted the frantic cries of a mother witnessing her child’s nightmares unfold, reflecting the urgent cry for intervention in these horrendous circumstances.
Law enforcement arrived to find a bolted door betraying the urgency within. Even as police struggled to gain entry, a neighbor described the frightful scene: “She was kicking my door and screaming something like, ‘Oh my God! Oh my God!’” The terrified mom’s words were a haunting reminder of a calamitous moment as she begged for help, revealing the depths of her despair.
It is outrageous that a home, meant to be a sanctuary, became a site of such brutal violence. The unstable individual, Burnside, not only endangered his partner but also turned against a defenseless child, demonstrating a grotesque disregard for human life. Reports indicate that the mother was left bleeding and traumatized, a picture of suffering as she grappled with the repercussions of allowing this man into their lives.
Neighbors described horrific visuals: blood smeared on the family’s now-infamous apartment door and the chilling aftermath of emergency responders fighting against a shut door that symbolized not just a physical barrier but a breakdown of safety. Police ultimately had to demand access, only gaining entry after Burnside surrendered, further illustrating failed systems that allowed this situation to escalate unchecked.
As the injured girl was rushed to Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center, she faced a gruesome surgery to remove the drill bit from her eye. This stark reality is a reminder of a cultural crisis where violence and dysfunction are all too common. Burnside now faces serious charges, including assault and weapons possession, with the grim likelihood that he will soon be charged with attempted murder.
This incident is not just a local tragedy; it is emblematic of the urgent need to address safety and prevention measures within our communities. The system must hold accountable those who perpetuate this violence, ensuring that families are protected and justice is served. We cannot allow our vigilance to falter—every step must be taken to safeguard our children from the horrors that lurk too close to home.
