A Maryland couple has been arrested and charged following the death of their 2-month-old daughter, who suffered severe head trauma and multiple skull fractures. The infant's father allegedly told police that "Satan slamming a door on the child" caused the injuries.
Oscar Pineda and Katerin Monzon-Alvarado, both 21, face charges of first and second-degree child abuse, first and second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment. They could face additional homicide charges pending the results of an autopsy. Baltimore Police stated the potential maximum sentence is 55 years in prison.
The baby was transported to Harbor Hospital on Wednesday with severe bruising around her eyes and jawline, which doctors described as "suspicious." A subsequent examination revealed significant head and brain trauma, including frontal lobe hemorrhaging and a subdural hemorrhage, according to charging documents.
Prosecutors indicated that the mother brought the unresponsive baby to the hospital after noticing the child was "freezing and in shock." She initially told police the infant had become unresponsive after being fed and lying face down in bed. The mother also reportedly told investigators that her 2-year-old son frequently jumps on the bed, which could have caused the baby to fall.
However, prosecutors argued that the severity of the infant's injuries could not have resulted from a single fall. Hospital staff were unable to revive the child, and she was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Both parents reportedly admitted to investigators that they observed the baby's bruises on September 6 and that she began vomiting the next day. They did not seek medical attention until the infant became unresponsive on Wednesday.
Prosecutors noted that Pineda and Monzon-Alvarado are Guatemalan nationals and argued they present an extreme flight risk. Both parents are being held without bail.