COCOA, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - Two parents are facing charges after their child was admitted into the emergency room with several severe injuries, including broken ribs, bleeding in the brain, seizures, and skull fractures.
The Brevard County Sheriff's Office said that on Wednesday morning, officers responded to a call from Rockledge Regional Medical Center after a two-month-old old infant was admitted into the emergency room for broken ribs and seizures. The baby had multiple fractures in her ribs, legs, and skull. She also was suffering from bleeding in the brain and had visible bruises on her forehead.
They said that the child was conscious but appeared lethargic and weak. She was transported to another hospital for specialized treatment of her injuries.
Following this, detectives began to investigate the circumstance causing the severe injuries. They reportedly learned that the baby's father, 27-year-old Dexter Williams, would strike and violently shake the baby. Witnesses also confirmed that the baby's mother, 26-year-old Stephanie Marie Hylard, would punch the child with a closed fist when she cried.
The Brevard County Sheriff's Office found Williams and Hylard to be responsible for the baby's injuries. Both parents had a role in the abuse and neither parent sought medical attention for at least five days.
"Mr. Williams and Ms. Hylard knowingly and willfully abused the infant. They tried to hide the abuse by using makeup to cover the bruises," said Detective Julio Gomez. "Based on the severity of the injuries and the clearly visible nature, the parents should have known that this could have resulted in the infant's death, yet they failed to seek medical attention. They had no sense of urgency."
The mother and father of the two-month-old infant now face charges of attempted murder and aggravated child abuse. They are being held without bond. They each have two other children from pervious relationships. They are now in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services.
This story was written in Orlando, Florida.