SALT LAKE CITY, UT – A heartbreaking case has emerged from Utah where a 36-year-old mother, Lizbeth Hurtado-Breton, has been arrested for the horrific abuse of her 4-month-old daughter. Authorities discovered the infant at Primary Children’s Hospital with severe burns, multiple fractures, and brain injuries after the parents brought her in for emergency care.
The child’s injuries, including scalding from steam, taped mouth and arms, and force-feeding that caused choking, reveal a deeply tragic situation exacerbated by the mother’s admitted wish for a boy instead of a daughter.
Shocking Details of Abuse Emerge
According to court documents and police reports, the abuse inflicted on the infant included:
- Severe burns from holding the baby over a pot of steaming water as a “home remedy”
- Taping of the baby’s mouth shut because she wouldn’t stop crying
- Taping the infant’s arms behind her back during feeding times
- Force-feeding with a bottle causing choking and breathing difficulties
- Multiple bone fractures and a brain bleed in various healing stages
The father provided investigators with damning video and photographic evidence of these cruelties, further supporting the charges filed against Hurtado-Breton.
The Mother’s Disturbing Confession and Police Statements
“She said her hands felt ‘very hot’ during the steaming but she ‘did not think’ about what the baby was feeling,” police reported. The mother also admitted to taping the child’s mouth to hold a pacifier in place, calling it the ‘easiest option.’ When questioned about other injuries, she claimed she ‘couldn’t remember.’
The father also disclosed that Hurtado-Breton had confided a wish that their child had been born a boy. This belief apparently influenced her mistreatment, contrasting with her care for older children.
Legal Action and Community Outrage
Hurtado-Breton was arrested and charged with child torture and aggravated child abuse. She remains in Salt Lake County Jail as investigations continue. The case has sparked widespread shock and anger among Utah parents and the wider community.
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- The infant is currently receiving treatment at Primary Children’s Hospital.
- Authorities emphasize the importance of reporting suspected child abuse immediately.
- The community calls for the maximum legal penalties against the mother.
According to Fat City Feed, the public is invited to voice their opinions on whether the mother’s mental state should influence sentencing or if the severity of the crimes demands maximum punishment.
What Can Be Learned from This Tragic Case?
This disturbing incident highlights the urgent need for awareness around signs of child abuse and the importance of support resources for families struggling with difficult situations. Experts advocate for vigilance and community involvement to protect vulnerable children.
Key takeaways to prevent similar tragedies include:
- Early intervention and support for new parents facing stress or mental health issues
- Public education on recognizing and reporting signs of child abuse
- Accessible healthcare and family counseling resources
What do you think about this discovery? Share your thoughts in the comments below!