WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (AP) - A 28-year-old Florida woman is accused in the death of an infant who was left in her care, sheriff’s officials said.
Samantha Mariel Angeles De La Rosa was arrested Wednesday in the death of the 4-month-old girl, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement. The baby’s name wasn’t released.
Angeles is charged with one count second-degree murder, and two counts aggravated child abuse.
Deputies found the baby unresponsive with multiple bruises on her head, face and body when they went to the home Tuesday, the sheriff’s statement said.
Angeles told investigators that a 21-month-old toddler pulled the baby off of a changing table, causing her to fall to the floor, a report said. She continued to tell various versions of her story, saying the toddler had been “rough” with the baby previously.
An autopsy revealed the baby had a fractured skull, which produced a brain bleed. The medical examiner said she died from blunt force trauma and ruled the death a homicide, the report said.
After the autopsy, investigators interviewed Angeles again. She said on Tuesday morning, the baby started crying as she changed her diaper. Angeles said she began thinking about “how overwhelmed she is in life” and then “lost it in a split second,” the report said.
She told investigators she grabbed the baby by the shoulders and struck her head against the changing table, the report said.
Angles was being held without bond. Jail records did not list an attorney for her.
“There is absolutely no excuse to hurt a baby,” the sheriff said. “If anyone caring for a child is feeling overwhelmed or out of control, please seek help from family, friends, clergy, or a social services agency. Get help.”
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