In a distressing incident in California, a 50-year-old woman has been taken into custody after a 3-month-old infant in her care was hospitalized for emergency surgery due to severe head injuries. The Madera County Sheriff’s Office reported that medical professionals determined the baby’s injuries were inconsistent with those that might result from a fall.
The authorities received a call on January 13, prompting deputies to respond to the situation. The babysitter, identified as Tonya Hamilton, was subsequently arrested on the following Friday.
Chris Musselman, the father of the infant, Braxton, shared with KSEE that Hamilton had informed his wife on the day of the incident that she accidentally fell on the baby and later found him unresponsive. This alarming scenario led to the need for immediate medical intervention.
During the ensuing six-hour surgery, the surgeon relayed to the anxious parents that the nature of Braxton’s injuries was typical of a shaken baby, rather than a fall. This revelation compelled the surgeon, as a mandatory reporter, to alert Child Protective Services and law enforcement, according to Musselman.
The surgery last for six hours, and when it was over the surgeon spoke with the frightened parents.
“He explained to us that his injuries weren’t consistent with a fall … they were consistent with a baby that had been shaken. And at that point he had no other choice as a mandatory reporter to involve CPS and involve the authorities,” Musselman said.
The baby is out of intensive care and is no longer on a breathing tube, Musselman said, but his recovery will be a long one.
Braxton’s mom, Tori Nelson, said doctors had to remove part of the baby’s skull but they’ve finally been allowed to hold the child again.
Hamilton, meanwhile, has been released on bail and is due in court again on March 9, KFSN reported. The sheriff’s office said she faces “felony child abuse” charges.
