Inset, left to right: Katerin Monzon-Alvarado and Oscar Pineda (Baltimore Police Department). Background: MedStar Harbor Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland (Google Maps).
Maryland authorities have jailed two parents after their 2-month-old daughter died from severe head injuries, including brain trauma and multiple skull fractures.
Katerin Monzon-Alvarado and Oscar Pineda, both 21, have been charged with first- and second-degree child abuse, first- and second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment, the Baltimore Police Department announced.
Police said additional homicide charges could be filed after the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner completes its autopsy.
At about 1 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, officers were called to MedStar Harbor Hospital in Baltimore to investigate an infant’s death. Hospital staff told them that 2-month-old Aida Alvarado had died.
“Members of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner responded and recovered the infant’s remains,” the Baltimore Police Department said. Preliminary findings indicated that Aida had suffered trauma to her body.
According to local CBS affiliate WJZ, hospital workers became concerned after noticing bruising around the infant’s eyes and along her jaw. A medical examination later found brain and head trauma, along with several skull fractures.
Detectives went to the family’s home, where they detained Katerin Monzon-Alvarado and Oscar Pineda. Both were subsequently questioned by investigators.
Pineda allegedly told police that his daughter’s injuries were caused by “a supernatural force or Satan slamming a door on the child.” Monzon-Alvarado reportedly offered a different explanation and pointed to another child in the household.
She told investigators that her 2-year-old son frequently jumps on the bed and that Aida fell to the floor when he did so, police said. Authorities, however, determined that a single fall from the bed could not account for the infant’s injuries.
Police said both suspects acknowledged that they had noticed bruises on Aida on Sunday. They also reportedly said the baby began vomiting the following day.
Despite those warning signs, the parents allegedly waited until Wednesday, when Aida became unresponsive, before seeking medical care. Both were arrested and remain jailed as the investigation continues.
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