Baby Blake home in high spirits

While jury selection is scheduled to begin May 15 in the case of a 31-year-old Atlanta native charged with first-degree felony of injury to a child with intent to cause severe bodily injury, baby Blake was able to make the journey home for a permanent family residence, just in time for the holidays.

Charles Brooks Jr, is held in North Tower at Dallas County jail where he awaits trial for his alleged crimes. Brooks is charged with beating his former stepson— 2-year-old Blake Sampson— within an inch of his life at a Dallas duplex in April 2021.

“They will likely begin the actual process on May 16th,” said Carmen Sampson, Blake’s step-grandmother of trial proceedings.

This isn’t the first court date that’s been set in this matter, Sampson said.

“There have been countless court dates for Charles or his lawyer for plea bargains, extensions, etcetera,” Sampson said.

Both Carmen and Blake’s grandfather, Gary Sampson previously detailed Blake’s harrowing injuries, which included being treated for a severe brain bleed with swelling, bruising and bite marks.

Carmen told Crimeopedia Google Podcast last year that the first year was beyond tough, with Blake in and out of hospital.

“It has been an absolute emotional rollercoaster,” she said.” We will get some good news and we’ll kind of be on a high for a little bit and then we will get some not so good news and we have to try to lift one another up because I mean, he’s our world.

“Our main focus is him and how he is doing.” Carmen said she and his other grandparents spoiled their little Blake, who was “all boy”.

“He had a battery-operated jeep that he loved to ride,” she said. “He loves cars, trains, monster trucks…always loved flirting with girls. He always waved at everyone and loved to go places. A really good kid—an amazing kid.”

Blake, however, hardly got a chance to be a kid—and may never get that opportunity.

Blake’s mom and dad were separated at the time of Blake’s beating. His mother had married Brooks only three months prior and was busy working at a hospital during the insidious attack on her toddler, Carmen said.

Brooks was caring for Blake that late April day. No one knows why Brooks decided to take Blake from his Atlanta residence to his residential duplex in Dallas, but Carmen Sampson and other family members believe Brooks had an ulterior motive in doing so.

“He had a duplex on Brentcove circle— that’s where the abuse took place,” Carmen said. “I know on the car ride (to Dallas) there was some abuse, but the majority did take place at that duplex in Dallas.”

Sampson said there were lacerations all over Blake’s brain from what appeared to be repeated punches to the right temple.

“It looked like pinch marks…his ear, it was completely purple,” Carmen said. “There were lacerations all in his brain just from getting…beat down. (Brooks) bit him in a couple places... I mean, this poor baby was covered. Covered in bruises.”

Carmen said there was even some old grab marks discovered on Blakes rib and leg areas by doctors.

“Seeing those bruises of course made me wonder had been going on,” Carmen said.

Blakes mother told the Sampsons that Charles didn’t allow the family to see Blake for two months, though they didn’t know why.

“I, of course would not have let him leave my house if I’d have seen anything of that nature,” Carmen said. “It wouldn’t have happened.

The anger and rage evident in little Blake’s injuries from that spring day were unfathomable, and Carmen said doctors told the family that by the time Blake got medical help, he was a mere ten minutes from death.

Charles had Blake for several hours that day because Blake’s mother worked long hours that day at a Texarkana hospital.

“Charles had plenty of time to do as he pleased,” Carmen said. “Most of the abuse occurred from that night. Blake even had drag marks that looked like carpet burns… his face was covered in bruises..he was just covered.”

“I don’t understand how anyone could to that to a child, to this child. How this baby could have made him so angry.”

Carmen was supposed to get to keep Blake that next day—something that haunts her and causes her to feel immense pain and misplaced guilt.

That October, Blake turned three on life support, with a feeding tube.

Now, he is four and Blake’s family say they still have things to look forward to with their precious boy—and even some good news: Blake is no longer living in a hospital.

“Blake got to spend the holidays at his new home,” Carmen said. “He is living in Decatur, TX with Venetia and Marcus Simpson. Venetia is Blake’s paternal grandmother and Marcus is her husband.”

“Both sides of the family are coming to see Blake here, and it is closer for all of us. Venetia is able to stay home with him full time and both she and Marcus have had the necessary training for him to live with them.”

Carmen said Blake is still on life-support, with the g-tube feeding tube, trach and ventilator hooked up to him for breathing. He also has a urostomy for urination.

Unfortunately, Blake does not have use of his limbs.

“He cannot talk, eat, walk,” she said. “The damage to the brain was extensive— Medulla, brain stem, and cortex.”

Carmen was happy say that, despite all of this, Blake seems happier than before.

“I can tell you he’s smiling more with family,” she said. “He is able to be strapped into his chair and join the family in the living room and watch television. The wall to his room was cut out so that he can be seen at all times.”

Carmen said Blake’s room is even decorated in his favorite superheroes.

“He truly seems much happier now that he is home” Carmen said. All of us have truly banded together our of Blake’s best interest.”

Carmen said she hopes people will learn from Blake’s case to be even more cautious in who they leave their children with, because not everyone is what they may seem. Hopefully, Blake’s case can save lives, she said.

Gary Sampson, Blake’s grandfather said Attorney Tony Buzbee of Houston will be representing Blake, but as far as Brooks is concerned, Carmen said He recently denied a 50-year plea bargain.

“Charles has denied every plea bargain and has no remorse. (Brooks) is not understanding the ‘fuss’ since Blake is not actually dead,” Carmen said, seemingly incredulous at Brooks alleged lack of empathy or regret.

Carmen’s latest blog update on January 7th was posted to Facebook to spread awareness to those who haven’t heard Blake’s story yet.

Carmen posted: Who is Blake? My grandson. What happened to him? His ex-stepdad, Charles  Brooks Jr. almost beat him to death over a year and a half ago. Blake is still on life support. Blake is currently living in Decatur, TX with another set of Grandparents, which, who I might add, are incredible folks. Venetia and Marcus. They have both sides of Blake’s family visit him any time. Charles is sitting in jail awaiting trial, which we recently learned will begin on May 15th of this year. Charles has shown no remorse in what he did to Blake and has even lied to other inmates about what happened to Blake- assured them that Blake is okay. Blake is NOT okay. He received much brain damage and is not able to eat, walk, talk, reach and grab things, etc. So, when we ask for prayers, it’s because Blake needs them and we all want Justice. Thank you to Blake’s friends and now extended family. Thank you all for the past, present, and future prayers. We love you all and are grateful. Blake is still here for a reason.

Update 1/7/2023: Blake had a good day yesterday. There was a spout where he had several seizures, but overall, not many. Blake had several smiles yesterday and seemed super chill! Loved watching him loving Moana, lol. One thing I have noticed and am delighted in... was the amount of times his mouth moved. Before, he would do this occasionally as if trying to speak, although no sound comes out typically, but yesterday, it was a LOT. It would be after someone was speaking to him or singing a song, etc., so it seemed as though he was trying to mimick the motion or communicate. (Please keep in mind, at 2, Blake spoke in full sentences.) I can tell you this... Blake is certainly much happier at home with family and his mood, demeanor, and smiles say that he is in the place he needs to be.

Though Blake’s situation is heartbreaking, his family has said the outpouring of support and prayers have been heartwarming.

“It’s really been a blessing with how many people have stood behind him, prayed for him, and continue to pray for him. We’re grateful for everything. People have formed fundraisers, events, reached out to us in prayer with similar stories of things that have happened to them. It’s been really encouraging,” Gary Sampson said in a previous interview with KTBS 3 News.

To keep up with Blake’s Journey, please join Facebook Groups “Justice for Blake” and “Prayers for Blake”, which both regularly update with videos and family photos. A petition for a proposed law, Blake’s Law, can be signed here: gopetition.com/petitions/blakes-law.html. Blake’s Law would prevent violent offenders of bonding out when accused of crimes as serious as the ones committed against little Blake.

While the circumstances have been heart-breaking, Sampson said he’s thankful for the outpouring of love and support from the community.

Blake’s grandfather, Gary Sampson, shared photos with KTBS 3 News of the toddler, who has been in a Dallas hospital, for nearly two weeks.

Sampson said his grandson is being treated for a severe brain bleed with swelling, bruising and bite marks.

While the circumstances have been heart-breaking, Sampson said he’s thankful for the outpouring of love and support from the community.

“It’s really been a blessing with how many people have stood behind him, prayed for him, and continue to pray for him. We’re grateful for everything. People have formed fundraisers, events, reached out to us in prayer with similar stories of things that have happened to them. It’s been really encouraging,” Sampson said.