A Utah man is facing multiple charges after he allegedly tortured his girlfriend’s toddler. Jordan Taylor allegedly issued incredibly harsh discipline to the young boy that included squats and planks, and if the boy cried too much, he would be tossed into a cold shower. The toddler also was quite literally used as a punching bag for his older sister to practice Muay Thai on. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, it’s one of the martial arts that involves a lot of punching and kicking. The child’s mother was seemingly indifferent to her son’s cries and let Taylor be the one in charge of discipline. It is unknown if she will face charges in the future.
The boy was taken to the hospital for unknown reasons.
The investigation began on April 22, 2026, after an officer from the Blanding City Police Department was called to the Primary Children’s Hospital for a report of child abuse, according to court documents reviewed by KTVX.
Medical staff told the officer that a 3-year-old child had hypothermia and was covered in “extensive bruising” across his whole body. Bruising on his wrists looked like he had been tied up and restrained.
First, the officer questioned the boy’s mother, who told them the bruising came from him slipping in the bathtub. She claimed the little one doesn’t like showering, so she has to hold him, and when she looked away, he slipped and fell, hitting his head.
According to the mom, his other injuries came from wrestling with his older sister and practicing Muay Thai, a type of martial arts. She claimed she had “never seen that before” when questioned about the wrist bruising.
The mom also alleged the hypothermia came from being exposed to the air conditioner after his shower.
After questioning the mother, police turned their questioning to Taylor.
He corroborated the mom’s story about the shower, claiming that when the boy came out, he was “already cold.” The questioning then turned to how the children are punished, and Taylor ‘s response was shocking, KSL reported.
“Jordan stated that the children would have to do squats, planks, or wall sits if they got into trouble. He said they most often got in trouble for stealing treats or taking candy when they were not supposed to. He informed us that these punishments were his idea,” the charging documents read, per KSL.
The boy’s 6-year-old sister was questioned by the Children’s Justice Center and confirmed that Taylor had taught her and her brother Muay Thai. She “demonstrated various punches and kicks, stating that she would perform these on the 3-year-old victim.” According to the girl, Taylor encouraged her to use the moves against her little brother.
Taylor’s idea of punishment is beyond harsh.
The girl said that if they cried, they would be put in “time out,” which usually consisted of one of Taylor’s punishments, KSL reported. And if they continued to cry, more time would be added.
When asked where her mother was during this, the girl said her brother’s crying “hurts her mother’s head, and she usually puts headphones on. This is when Jordan would put her brother into the cold shower,” per the charging documents obtained by KSL.
The girl also told investigators that one time, Taylor wrapped tape around the boy’s mouth and made him do squats, KUTV reported.
“She also recounted another instance where [Taylor] made the male victim do air squats in the middle of the night. She described the male victim having to steal cake in the middle of the night and eating it under his covers,” the court documents stated.
Investigators went to the home and apparently found the fridge and freezer locked.
Taylor faces one felony count of first-degree aggravated child abuse and another count of first-degree child torture. Additionally, he faces charges of second-degree kidnapping and third-degree commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child. Taylor also has been charged with three misdemeanor charges of child abuse with injury, reckless endangerment, and unlawful detention of a minor. As of April 28, it was unclear whether he’d been arrested.
If you suspect child abuse, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child) or go to Childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7.
