A Maryland couple has been charged in connection with the death of their 2-month-old daughter, who suffered severe head and brain trauma, according to Baltimore Police and court documents.
Oscar Pineda, 21, and Katerin Monzon-Alvarado, 21, are facing charges including first- and second-degree child abuse, first- and second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment, with a maximum possible sentence of 55 years in prison. Additional homicide charges may follow pending the outcome of the autopsy report, authorities said.
The infant, Aida Mikea Monzon Alvarado, was taken to Harbor Hospital on a Wednesday after becoming unresponsive. Doctors initially observed suspicious severe bruising around her eyes and jawline, with a later examination revealing significant head and brain trauma and multiple skull fractures that were not detected during the initial assessment.
Investigation Details
Police reported that the baby’s mother brought her to the hospital after the infant became unresponsive while lying face down in their bed following a feeding. Prosecutors stated at a court hearing that the extent of the injuries could not have resulted from a single fall from a bed, as claimed by the mother.
The father, Pineda, allegedly told police that the injuries were caused by “Satan slamming a door on the child”, describing a supernatural explanation for the trauma. The mother, Monzon-Alvarado, attributed the baby’s fall to her 2-year-old son jumping on the bed, which she said caused the infant to fall onto the floor.
Legal Proceedings
The couple appeared in court on Friday, where prosecutors argued that the injuries were inconsistent with accidental causes. The case remains under active investigation, with authorities awaiting further forensic analysis to determine the precise manner of death.
Baltimore Police have not disclosed additional details about the investigation, including the timeline of events leading to the infant’s hospitalization or the specific circumstances surrounding the injuries.