Maryland Couple Arrested After Infant’s Death
A couple from Maryland has been arrested following the tragic death of their 2-month-old daughter, who suffered severe head injuries. Reports indicate that the father told police that the injuries were the result of “Satan slamming a door on the child.”
Oscar Pineda and Katerin Monzon-Alvarado, both 21, face multiple charges including first and second-degree child abuse, first and second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment, which could lead to a maximum combined sentence of 55 years in prison. Authorities also mentioned that additional homicide charges may arise pending the results of an autopsy.
According to Baltimore Police, the baby was rushed to Harbor Hospital where doctors observed what they termed “suspicious” substantial bruising around the eyes and jaw. Further examinations uncovered what the documents described as “significant head and brain trauma,” along with multiple skull fractures that were initially overlooked.
The father reportedly asserted that his daughter was hurt by some unseen force, while the mother suggested that their 2-year-old son often jumps on their bed, which could have caused the baby to fall. However, a prosecutor noted that the severity of the girl’s injuries couldn’t possibly stem from just a simple fall.
Furthermore, the mother claimed that the baby had become unresponsive after lying face down in bed post-feeding. When she brought the infant to the hospital, she described her as “freezing and in shock.”
Doctors confirmed the child suffered notable head and brain trauma, including frontal lobe hemorrhaging, and unfortunately, she could not be revived. Tragically, she passed away in the hospital.
Both parents subsequently told investigators they were aware of the bruises on their daughter as early as September 6, and noted she began vomiting the day after. Despite this, they did not seek medical help until she was unresponsive on Wednesday.
Both individuals, described as Guatemalan nationals, were deemed to present a significant flight risk, and thus were held without bail.
