Couple charged after alert motel worker reports children's 'horrible' injuries

KERNERSVILLE, N.C. (WGHP) -- Investigators say an alert North Carolina motel employee tipped them off about one of the worst cases of child abuse they’ve ever seen.

Kernersville police charged 25-year-old Matthew Anthony Brooks and 26-year-old Heather Greenway with physically abusing Greenway’s two young sons at the OYO Inn Sunday.

Medical staff at an area hospital treated the 3-year-old and 4-year-old boys, who are now in the care of Child Protective Services.

Court documents show that Brooks has a history of sexual battery and simple assault. Police said if no one called 911, it could have been a different outcome.

A motel employee followed her gut and called for help after she says she saw a 3-year-old and 4-year-old boy severely beaten.

“They have bruises all over the side of their head. There looks like blood. It’s pretty bad,” the employee said in a 911 call.

The caller was noticeably shaken up and was trying to catch the couple she believed were responsible before they checked out of the OYO Inn in Kernersville.

“The kid's face. It’s horrible. This isn’t a fall. It looks like someone really beat the hell out of him,” the employee said. “The 4-year-old is the one that has the worst. The worst markings, bruises and stuff,” the caller said.

Police said the brave act likely saved the little boys’ lives.

“If they wouldn’t have taken that initiative to call 911 and report it, this type of crime may have continued on for longer than what it actually did,” said Officer Blake Jones with Kernersville police.

Brooks is being held on a $750,000 bond and Greenway a $500,000 bond.

“That’s their own blood. If you can beat your own kid that’s just a baby ... just imagine what you can do,” motel guest John Cantone said after police took the couple away. “That’s terrible. People shouldn’t hit their kids. They shouldn’t get out, and I just hope the best for the kids."