Two parents have been accused in the death of their child after the father reportedly explained to the police that supernatural powers or Satan were responsible for hurting the baby.
Katerin Monzon-Alvarado and Oscar Pineda, 21, have been detained for causing injuries to their 2-month-old daughter, Aida, whose lifeless body was found at the Harbor Hospital in South Baltimore.
Police were alerted at 1:08 a.m. on September 9th due to a report of a baby’s death, according to Fox Baltimore. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner performed the autopsy, which indicated some trauma on the baby’s body. Further, homicide detectives visited the family to talk with the parents; however, they were arrested after consulting with the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office.
According to the mother, she took the girl to the hospital because she stopped responding to her. Initially, she explained that the baby lost responsiveness when she was placed face-down in bed after feeding and was cold and in shock when they decided to get help. The doctors found some suspicious bruises around the baby’s eyes and jawline, but they were not able to save her.
Further examination showed that there were serious injuries to the baby’s head and brain, multiple fractures of the skull, bleeding in the frontal lobes, and a subdural hematoma, CBS Baltimore reported, specifying that the information about the statements of the father was released first by the station. According to the station, Pineda explained that the child was injured by supernatural power or Satan slamming the door on her.
Parents also stated that they noticed the bruises several days before and the baby vomited, but they did not consult any medical institution until the baby lost responsiveness.
As for the mother, Monzon-Alvarado presented a completely different version of the events, which was that it was their 2-year-old son who caused the injury. She explained that their son jumped a lot on the bed and the baby may have fallen on the floor.
An assistant state’s attorney stated in court that the baby’s injuries are not consistent with a single fall from the bed. The prosecutors suggested that the charges may be increased to homicide depending on the results of the forensic expertise.
The two parents are charged with first- and second-degree child abuse, first- and second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment. All charges carry a maximum of 55 years in prison. Both are held without bail.
