8-month-old baby left brain dead, mother arrested for child abuse in Lucerne Valley

LUCERNE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Heather Fowler, 24, a resident of Lucerne Valley, was arrested for allegedly shaking a baby so bad it caused paralysis, officials said.

On June 30, 2019, the victim, an 8-month-old boy, was located unresponsive inside his home in Lucerne Valley. The baby was airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center.

“During a medical examination at LLUMC, forensic pediatricians found the victim had no brain activity, severe brain swelling, and retinal hemorrhaging,” stated sheriff’s officials in a news release.

Sheriff’s officials confirmed all of the victim’s injuries were consistent with suspected child abuse.

“The victim is currently hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit and is not expected to survive from his injuries,” stated the release.

Fowler was booked at the Central Detention Center for Willful Cruelty to a Child on June 30th.

On Tuesday, July 2, 2019, The Victorville District Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges on Fowler for PC 273 ab(b) Assault on a Child Causing Paralysis and bail was set for $100,000.

Fowler is scheduled to appear in a Victorville court room on July 8, 2019.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Specialized Investigation Division, Crimes Against Children Detail, Detective Brian Arias (909) 387-3615. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or www.wetip.com.