Babysitter, 27, Accused of Slapping a 7-Month-Old Baby Across the Face, Causing a Brain Bleed
YOU NEED TO KNOW
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An Indiana babysitter is accused of slapping a 7-month-old boy in the face, causing a brain hemorrhage
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Emily Duran, 27, was charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury and battery on a person under the age of 14 resulting in serious bodily injury.
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He was arrested on December 19
An Indiana babysitter is accused of slapping a 7-month-old boy in the face “as hard as you would slap an adult.”
according to Fort Wayne Police Department and court records obtained by the local outlet WPTAPolice officers were called to a local Indiana hospital on Dec. 11 after the Department of Children’s Services was contacted about an infant suffering from “serious injuries.”
The baby’s parents told investigators they left him in the care of 27-year-old Emily Duran around 6:50 a.m. local time that day. When they arrived home just after 5 p.m., the parents claimed Duran immediately left and one of the parents noticed bruises on the baby’s face, according to court documents obtained by WPTA.
Duran then texted one of the parents and said the victim had fallen, according to court documents.
The boy’s parents later called Duran and recorded their conversation with him. Authorities said the woman claimed the baby fell off the bench while they were at the park, according to WPTA.
Allen County Sheriff’s Department
Emily Duran
Police reviewed photos of the 7-month-old baby, and officers said he had “dark purple bruises” on both sides of his face, from his chin to his hairline, according to court documents.
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One of the trauma surgeons at the hospital told police that the child had suffered a brain hemorrhage, while another doctor said the baby’s injuries were “the result of an injury” and “not the result of an accident.”
“There is no other explanation other than child abuse,” the doctor told police, according to WPTA.
Google Maps
The 100 block of W. Superior Street in Fort Wayne, where police say the incident occurred.
Police interrogated Duran on December 19. During the interview, he allegedly admitted that he first slapped the baby’s face and then backhanded him on the other side of his face, WPTA reported, citing court records.
Duran allegedly admitted to “slapping you as hard as you would slap an adult.” He was arrested the same day and taken to the Allen County Jail.
Court records show he is charged with gross negligence resulting in serious bodily injury to a dependent and battery on a person under the age of 14 resulting in serious bodily injury. He is next due in court on January 12.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit www.childhelp.org. All calls are free and confidential. The helpline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
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