HESPERIA: (VVNG.com)- On June 17, 2014 at 7:09 P.M., Hesperia Deputy Antonio Higuera was dispatched to a residence located in the 14000 block of Sequoia Street for a welfare check of a 6-month-old male infant. A local physician notified the Child Abuse Hotline after the mother and her boyfriend attempted to receive treatment for the child. Upon arrival at the Sequoia address, Deputy Higuera immediately recognized deformities in the infant’s arms and legs indicating bone fractures. Hesperia Fire Personnel were called and transported the victim to a local hospital. X-Rays confirmed multiple fractures and other injuries consistent with long-term physical abuse.
The mother, 20-year-old Maria Estrada and the live-in boyfriend, 23-year-old Christain Ricardo Lopez, both residents of Hesperia were subsequently interviewed by detectives from the Hesperia Station and the Crimes Against Children Detail. Through their investigation, detectives concluded the victim endured abuse for a significant period of time resulting in numerous fractures in various stages of healing. The 6 month old victim, following the initial assessment, was transported to Loma Linda Medical Center for extensive treatment and is expected to survive.
Christain Lopez was arrested and booked at the High Desert Detention Center for PC205, aggravated mayhem; PC206, torture; PC273d(a)felony willful inhuman injury to child resulting in traumatic condition and his bail is set at $1,000,000.00.
Maria Estrada was arrested and booked at the High Desert Detention Center for PC273a(a), willful injury to child likely to produce great bodily injury or death and her bail is set at $100,000.00. Detectives believe the mother was aware of the abuse but did nothing.
Without intervention, this tiny victim likely faced a future of continued abuse with potentially devastating results. Mandated Reporting laws were first enacted in California in 1963. The Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act(CANRA) was passed in 1980 requiring not only physicians, but other professional groups to report known or suspected child abuse.
This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to please contact Detective Sergeant Doug Hubbard at the Hesperia Station, 760-947-1500.
Citizens are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department or WE-TIP INC(1-800-78-CRIME, www.wetip.com) to report suspicious or criminal activity and can remain anonymous.
