VISALIA – Police arrested a Visalia woman late earlier this week for suspected child abuse of her 2-month-old baby.
The Visalia Police Department received a report of suspected child abuse at a residence at the 300 block of West Murray Avenue on Monday. Officers dispatched to the scene around 11:35 a.m. found a 2 ½-month-old baby with multiple fractures. Doctors who examined the infant discovered at least a dozen fractures and tests showed that the injuries were consistent with physical abuse, according to authorities.
Detectives interviewed the baby’s mother, 19-year-old Jessica Castillo, and determined that she was responsible for the abuse. They arrested her on Monday night on suspicion of child abuse, according to police.
In addition to being charged with one felony count of child abuse, Castillo faces a special allegation that she caused great bodily injury to a child under the age of 5. She faces up to 12 years in prison.
Child Welfare Services took custody of the infant, who is being treated at a local area children’s hospital.
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Visalia Times Delta: Visalia teen mother arrested on suspicion of abusing 2 month old
