A Norwalk woman has been charged with abusing a 4-year-old foster charge. The abuse reportedly resulted in the boy being hospitalized in critical condition, officials said Monday.
The child's relatives alleged he was beaten and tortured while in the care of Gabriela Casarez and are demanding answers from county child services officials.
On Oct. 28, detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to a report of child abuse at a residence in the 14700 block of Pioneer Boulevard. Officers found the boy had "sustained grave injuries," according to a LASD statement published Monday. He was transported to a local hospital's intensive care unit, where he remained as of Tuesday.
Casarez was arrested on suspicion of child abuse on Oct. 29. The L.A. County District Attorney's Office has filed one felony count of assault on a child becoming comatose or causing paralysis, alongside two felony counts of child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death.
The 26-year-old remains in custody and is being held in lieu of $1.2 million in bail. She will appear again in L.A. County Superior Court on Dec. 6.
When contacted by KNX for comment, the Department of Children and Family Services said all who apply to become foster guardians are "rigorously" examined for suitability to "identify safe, nurturing and supportive homes for children in foster care."
The department added that it all allegations of caretaker abuse and neglect are thoroughly investigated, but said it was prohibited from commenting on the case at hand in order to protect the confidentiality of children, siblings and families involved.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, Special Victims Bureau at (877) 710-5273 or by email at specialvictimsbureau@lasd.org. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous may call L.A. Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, or online at LACrimeStoppers.org.
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