Texas Grandfather Accused of Whipping, Tackling, and Threatening Young Grandchildren After Warning Them About TV Remote, Police Say
WACO, TEXAS — A 52-year-old Texas man is facing three felony counts after police say he whipped, beat, and violently threatened his young grandchildren — including smashing a child’s hand onto a table and tackling another — during a pattern of escalating abuse inside the family home. Cody Wayne Ainsworth was arrested on three counts of injury to a child following a 911 call reporting suspected abuse on Nov. 19.
Mother Says Hand-Smashing “Punishment” Was Routine
The investigation began when the Bruceville-Eddy Police Department arrived at a residence in the 600 block of First Street in Waco. Ainsworth’s stepdaughter — who is also the mother of the three alleged victims — told officers she had just argued with Ainsworth over his treatment of the children.
She described a disturbing incident involving her 7-year-old son, who had used some of Ainsworth’s body wash while taking a bath. According to the affidavit, Ainsworth forced the child to place his hand on the kitchen table, then repeatedly beat the child’s hand with his own.
The mother said this was a “typical punishment” Ainsworth used on the children.
Recordings Capture Threats of Violence
Ainsworth’s wife — the children’s grandmother — gave police several recordings documenting Ainsworth’s language and threats toward the boys. In one clip, she can be heard confronting her husband:
“I’m tired of you treating them like they are f—ing dogs.”
The recordings also captured Ainsworth threatening the children with escalating violence:
- “Touch that remote one more time, and you ain’t got to worry about TV no more.”
- “Let me catch you with one more piece of food, you won’t be able to eat no more — I’ll make sure you can’t eat.”
- “If you look off one more time, you’re getting whooped.”
- “I’ll kick your a—.”
- “You can p— all over yourself. I don’t give a [expletive].”
The grandmother told investigators the threats were constant, calling his behavior child abuse.
School Staff Report Injuries and Fear
As the investigation expanded, a school nurse told officers that one of the children said he injured his back when “Grandpa Cody” tackled him. A teacher had also documented weekly injuries, including marks on the child’s stomach, feet, cheek, chin, and elbows.
During forensic interviews, a 4-year-old victim said he was afraid of Ainsworth, adding that his grandfather had “used a belt” to strike him on the stomach.
Ainsworth Arrested, Bonds Out
Ainsworth was arrested and booked into the McLennan County Jail with a $150,000 bond, records show. He has since bonded out. Authorities have not announced a scheduled court date.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to evaluate the children’s injuries and additional recordings from inside the home.
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