Mother attributed her daughter’s injuries to falls before her sibling said mom’s boyfriend would get “maddy maddy” when she cried and take tweezers to pinch her nose; couple charged
Florida – In a shocking case out of Florida, a 28-year-old mother, identified as J. Moore, and her 29-year-old boyfriend, identified as J. Smith, are facing serious charges after a toddler sustained extensive injuries while under their care. The injuries included multiple fractures, a bite mark, marks across her body, and the traumatic loss of her two bottom teeth. This case has stirred considerable concern and highlighted the devastating impact of child abuse.
Moore has been charged with child neglect, while her boyfriend, Smith, faces charges of aggravated child abuse. The investigation by the Sheriff’s Office began on January 8, when the young girl was admitted to a hospital showing signs of severe physical abuse. These injuries were in various stages of healing, suggesting they were not the result of a single incident but rather ongoing abuse.
The child’s condition came to light after being admitted to the hospital with fractures to her arm, leg, and ribs. Additionally, the toddler had suffered extensive injuries, a bite mark, and had her two bottom teeth forcibly removed. The complexity and severity of these injuries led 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 she noticed some injuries which she did not believe were serious. However, the situation took a darker turn as the investigation deepened.
In a stark contradiction to her initial claims, Moore blamed the injuries on “Brittle Bone Disease,” a condition that was quickly ruled out by medical professionals who found no genetic markers for the ailment in the child. Moreover, Moore’s account of the amount of time Smith spent with the child conflicted with messages found on her phone, indicating deeper involvement. In text messages dated December 22, Moore confronted Smith about his actions, accusing him of hitting the child’s head on the door and expressing her hurt over his treatment of her children compared to his own.
The case further unraveled when text messages between Moore and a family member, who is associated with the Department of Children and Families, were reviewed. This family member expressed grave concerns about the child’s appearance, noting she looked as if she had been “punched in the face” and was continually showing up with new injuries. He advised Moore not to take the child out in public for fear of intervention by child protective services. According to reports, Moore attributed her daughter’s injuries to falls and bug bites.
Smith’s interactions with the child were particularly alarming. While he claimed to detectives that his actions were playful, a sibling of the victim told a different story. According to the sibling, Smith would become “maddy maddy maddy” when the girl cried, resorting to pinching her nose with tweezers and covering her mouth, an act far removed from playful behavior.
Both Moore and Smith were arrested on March 1, with formal charges being filed on March 10. Smith is currently held on a $300,000 bond, while Moore has posted bond and was released. Their next court appearance is scheduled for March 27, where they will face the consequences of their actions. This case serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of child abuse and the importance of vigilance and intervention in protecting vulnerable children. The community and the authorities hope for justice for the young victim, whose suffering has shocked many.
