After reading this article in a local newspaper today, I realize that many people take for granted the safety of their children when in the care of a significant other. It baffles me that anyone could or would harm a child in such a way!
Nampa man accused of breaking toddler's arm twice in two weeks
"Mario Gonzalez Jr., 23, was charged with two counts of felony aggravated battery Wednesday in connection with the repeated physical abuse of his girlfriend's daughter over a two-week period.
Canyon County Prosecutor John Bujak said Gonzalez was charged with aggravated battery as opposed to felony injury to a child because the maximum possible penalty for battery is 15 years in prison - five years longer than the maximum penalty for the other charge.
Nampa police began investigating the case Friday after getting a call from an employee at Mercy Medical Center, which was treating the child for a spiral fracture in her left arm.
Police interviewed Gonzalez and the child's mother, but no arrests were made, according to court documents.
Medical reports later showed that the toddler had suffered another broken bone in her arm about 10 days earlier.
Nampa police interviewed Gonzalez at his home in the 200 block of Shoshone Avenue on Tuesday, and he admitted he picked up the toddler by her left arm May 29. The toddler's arm went behind her back, and Gonzalez lifted her up about 3 to 4 feet and dropped her, according to court records.
Gonzalez also admitted to grabbing the toddler by the right arm and pulling her straight out of the crib on either May 19 or May 20. After pulling the toddler out of the crib, Gonzalez burned her on her toe about 15 times with a cigarette, saying he was frustrated that she wouldn't stop crying. Gonzalez also told officers he shook and hit the baby several times.
Gonzalez told police he was frustrated with the toddler every time he struck her and knew he was the one who caused her injuries.
He was arrested and booked into the Canyon County Jail. A judge set a $250,000 bond for Gonzalez, who will have a preliminary hearing on the charges later this month.
Bujak said Thursday the mother of the toddler will not be charged in connection with the case because she fully cooperated with police once she figured out what was going on.
Bujak said the toddler was left alone with Gonzalez when the injuries occurred and that the mother appeared to believe Gonzalez' initial explanation for what happened until she was confronted by police, at which point she began to cooperate with law enforcement."
0 Remarks:
Post a Comment