Florida – In a shocking case out of Florida, a 28-year-old mother, J. Moore, and her 29-year-old boyfriend, J. Smith, are facing serious charges after a toddler suffered extensive injuries while in their care.
The injuries included multiple fractures, a bite mark, marks all over her body, and the traumatic loss of her two bottom teeth. This case has sparked widespread concern and highlighted the devastation caused by child abuse.
Moore has been charged with child neglect, while her boyfriend, Smith, is accused of aggravated child abuse. The Sheriff’s Office began its investigation on January 8, when the young girl was admitted to the hospital with signs of severe physical abuse.
These injuries were in various stages of healing, indicating that they were caused by ongoing abuse rather than a single incident.
The child’s condition became apparent after she was admitted to the hospital with fractures in her arm, leg, and ribs. In addition, the toddler had extensive injuries, a bite mark, and two bottom teeth that had been extracted forcibly.
The complexity and severity of these injuries prompted authorities to suspect a pattern of abuse. Moore initially told police that the children were with their father from December 27 to January 5, and that she saw some injuries that she did not consider serious. However, the situation deteriorated as the investigation progressed.
Moore blamed the injuries on “Brittle Bone Disease,” which was quickly ruled out by medical professionals who discovered no genetic markers for the condition in the child. Furthermore, Moore’s account of Smith’s time with the child contradicted messages discovered on her phone, indicating greater involvement.
Moore confronted Smith about his actions in text messages dated December 22, accusing him of hitting the child’s head against the door and expressing her disappointment with his treatment of her children in comparison to his own.
The case was further complicated when text messages between Moore and a family member affiliated with the Department of Children and Families were examined.
This family member expressed serious concerns about the child’s appearance, noting that she appeared to have been “punched in the face” and was constantly showing up with new injuries.
He advised Moore not to take the child out in public for fear of being contacted by child protective services. According to reports, Moore blamed her daughter’s injuries on falls and insect bites.
Smith’s interactions with the child were especially concerning. While claiming to detectives that his actions were playful, the victim’s sibling told a different story. According to the sibling, Smith would become “maddy maddy maddy” when the girl cried, pinching her nose with tweezers and covering her mouth, which was far from playful behavior.
Moore and Smith were arrested on March 1, and formal charges were filed on March 10. Smith is currently held on a $300,000 bond, while Moore has posted bond and been released.
Their next court appearance is scheduled for March 27, and they will face the consequences of their actions. This case serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of child abuse, as well as the importance of being vigilant and intervening to protect vulnerable children.
The community and the authorities are hoping for justice for the young victim, whose ordeal has shocked many.