A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Maryland as a baby girl passed away on New Year’s Eve, leading to her mother being charged in connection with her death.
Detectives from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office were alerted to the case on December 29 after Child Protective Services reported suspected child abuse at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center... Continue reading here ▶
The 5 1/2-month-old infant was brought to the hospital by ambulance with severe injuries, including multiple skull fractures, brain bleeds, a broken leg, and other life-threatening conditions, according to a police press release.
The baby, who had spent her life in the NICU since birth, was discharged to go home on December 23. However, she returned to the hospital just days later, on December 28, and succumbed to her injuries on December 31.
Investigators launched a thorough probe, including a search of the family’s home and interviews with potential witnesses. Police noted conflicting accounts of how the child sustained her injuries.
The baby’s mother, Maya Dennis, 32, initially told investigators that one of her other children accidentally fell on the infant. However, text messages retrieved from Dennis’ phone allegedly claimed the injuries were caused during the baby’s time in the NICU.
Authorities also questioned a man who had been seen entering the home shortly before the baby was rushed to the hospital. Both Dennis and the man denied having contact with the infant. However, investigators determined that Dennis had sole care of the baby when the injuries occurred.
Dennis has been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree child abuse. Police stated that during the investigation, she made statements implicating herself in the injuries that led to the baby’s death. Dennis was arrested without incident and is currently being held without bail.
Prosecutors argued in court that the baby’s injuries were not accidental, describing the severity: multiple skull fractures, broken bones, bleeding around the brain and eye sockets, and irreversible brain damage. Dennis’ preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 30, and the investigation remains ongoing.
If you suspect child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. All calls are free and confidential, and assistance is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
