Mother Charged After Son Nearly Killed by Boyfriend

A Florida mother is facing criminal charges after her young autistic son was nearly beaten to death, reportedly by her boyfriend. However, her attorney says the mother is also a victim of abuse.

The case began earlier this month when police responded to a home in Miami after a report of a 6-year-old child in cardiac arrest. When officers arrived, the boy had no pulse. CPR was started until paramedics arrived and were able to revive him. The child was rushed to a hospital and later transferred to a children’s hospital because of the severity of his injuries.

Doctors reported that the boy had serious internal injuries, including bleeding in his brain and abdomen. He also suffered injuries to several organs, a broken arm, and bruises and scratches on his face and back. Medical staff asserted that the injuries could not have been caused by an accident and were likely the result of force.

Investigators said the mother’s boyfriend gave several different explanations for how the child was hurt. He first claimed the boy was injured while learning to ride a bike. Later, he said the child fell while playing on a wagon. Police say neither story matched the child’s injuries, and the items described could not support the claims.

The mother initially repeated the bike story. She later told police she only said what her boyfriend instructed her to say. According to her attorney, the mother was living under abuse and fear, and she, like her son, was a victim.

Police said the boyfriend was often frustrated with the child’s autism and behavior. The boy’s condition worsened overnight, and he later lost consciousness, prompting the emergency call.

Both adults were arrested. The boyfriend was arrested on suspicion of aggravated child abuse causing great bodily harm, child neglect resulting in great bodily harm, and providing false information to law enforcement. He was being held without bond.

The mother is also in custody. She is facing preliminary charges of child neglect resulting in great bodily harm, failure to report child abuse or neglect, and providing false information to law enforcement. At the time this was written, she was awaiting a bond decision.

If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.