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Baby clings to life; parents charged

By Scott Harper, sharper@gtowntimes.com July 28, 2006


A newborn baby who was barely clinging to life Thursday afternoon — allegedly as a result of abuse — was not expected to survive, according to investigators.

Ramon Hernandez, a 25-year-old illegal immigrant, and 22-year-old Yuribel Najera, who live on Challies Alley off Cleland Street, parents of 3-week-old Judith Najera-Hernandez, were denied bond Thursday after being arrested for assault and battery with intent to kill.

According to a police report, the infant was taken to the hospital about 12:03 a.m. Thursday, more than 27 hours after the injuries took place.

Cpl. Blair Cribb and Officer Sherri Smith responded to the call at the hospital and found the infant “was limp and not breathing,” according to Cribb’s report.

While hospital staff worked to revive the baby, a doctor noticed several bruises. It was determined through X-rays that she had a fractured skull as well as bleeding on her brain.

“I observed bruises above the eyebrows on her forehead, a bruise on her right shoulder and on her buttocks,” Cribb reported.

The infant was transported to the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital in Charleston where she was listed in critical condition Thursday.

Georgetown Police Investigator Sgt. Jimmy Burke said he was told by hospital officials Thursday the baby had severe head and brain injuries and “is not expected to survive.”

When the baby was taken to Charleston, the parents were escorted to the police department for further questioning. An interpreter had to be brought in to help with the interview between police and Hernandez.
Burke said as the interviews progressed, investigators realized they were getting conflicting stories about how the baby received the injuries.

“(Najera) said (Hernandez) rammed the baby’s head into a wall because she would not stop crying. She says he has a terrible anger problem (and) has abused the baby for the past couple of weeks,” Burke said, adding the injuries found on the girl back up the claims of abuse before Tuesday.

Hernandez, Burke said, told investigators through his interpreter that Najera was giving the infant a bath and dropped her in the bath tub.

Burke said the incident that resulted in the baby’s condition occurred between 4 and 7 p.m. Tuesday. Najera is charged because she failed to seek medical treatment for her daughter in a timely manner.

If the baby dies, the charges against the couple will be upgraded to homicide by child abuse which carries a sentence of 20 years to life.

While Hernandez, according to Burke, admitted he is a native of Mexico City who is in the United States illegally, Najera does have a Social Security card. Burke said investigators are attempting to find out if the card is legal or fake.

He said if the charges are upgraded and another bond hearing is held, police will request that bond be denied because the couple would be a flight risk.