Justice Served: Babysitter Sentenced to 18 Years for Severe Child Abuse in Colorado
A young child suffered severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, while under the care of a babysitter in Colorado. The babysitter, Mckinley Slone Hernandez, 26, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for the incident. The child was brought to a hospital by the babysitter and her boyfriend, prompting an investigation into possible child abuse. The child had to undergo life-saving surgery at a children's hospital due to the extent of his injuries, which included brain tissue damage, subdural hemorrhaging, and retinal hemorrhaging.
Prosecutors revealed that the child had sustained significant bruising across his body, consistent with signs of child abuse. The babysitter, who ran an unlicensed home-based daycare, was responsible for the child's care at the time of the incident. Surveillance footage showed the child falling or being pushed from a camper trailer, after which Hernandez picked him up, carried him inside, and bit his arm. The child became unconscious and unresponsive shortly after the fall, but Hernandez delayed seeking emergency care for about 30 minutes.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that the child's injuries could not be solely attributed to the fall from the trailer. Hernandez was found guilty of child abuse - recklessly causing serious bodily injury and sentenced to 18 years in prison, followed by three years of parole. The child's family shared the challenges he faced during his hospitalization, including relearning basic functions like breathing and walking. The child's future has been significantly altered by the incident, with his parents expressing uncertainty and constant vigilance in his recovery journey.
The family continues to adapt to their new reality as the child faces ongoing challenges with gross motor skills. The boy's mother and father spoke at Hernandez's sentencing, highlighting the impact of the incident on their son's life. The boy's once promising future is now filled with medical appointments and uncertainty, as he navigates the long road to recovery. The family expressed their disappointment that their son's aspirations, such as playing sports and following in his father's footsteps, have been taken away due to someone else's actions. The incident occurred in Lakewood, located about 9 miles southwest of Denver.
In conclusion, the sentencing of the babysitter responsible for the child's injuries serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of child abuse. The family continues to support their son through his recovery journey, facing challenges and uncertainties as they navigate a new reality shaped by the traumatic incident.