Adoptive parents charged in girl's death

[bijou]

Two men who adopted a 3-year-old girl were arrested Wednesday in connection with her death three months ago — after falling down six stairs, they said.

Melody Velasquez died of blunt head trauma Jan. 11, according to a ruling Wednesday by the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office.

“A premature death of any child is terrible, and this is certainly no exception,” said local Child Protective Services spokeswoman Mary Walker.

Matthew Oscar Aranda, 43, was charged with capital murder and his bond set at $250,000. His partner, 44-year-old Norberto Velasquez, was charged with injury to a child by omission. His bond was set at $100,000. Both remained in the Bexar County Jail late Wednesday.

Investigators believe Melody sustained her injuries Jan. 9 and that the men waited 31 hours before seeking medical help. By the time paramedics were called to the couple's home, Melody had stopped breathing and had blood flowing from her nose and mouth. She died at Wilford Hall Medical Center.

Aranda told police Melody was running down the stairs at home when she fell. He was in the kitchen and the couple's other children were playing upstairs, according to an arrest affidavit.

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What kind of idiot notices swelling to a child's head after a fall, and then waits over a day to get medical attention? I hope the police manage to find out what did happen.

[Chris_]

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What kind of idiot notices swelling to a child's head after a fall, and then waits over a day to get medical attention? I hope the police manage to find out what did happen.

Child Protective Services records reveal the girl's life was bad from the very beginning. She was just an infant in March 2006 when the agency removed her and a sibling from their home because of allegations of abuse and neglect, Walker said.

An October evaluation showed she had developmental delays in several areas.

CPS did not improve the situation by placing her in a home with "two daddies".     No wonder she had "developmental delays".  These guys are either morons or they're hiding something....or both.

[thundley4]

That night, the men gave her Tylenol for her fever and monitored her sleep, the affidavit states.

The next day, the men continued to give her Tylenol, and when she was unable to swallow any more, they purchased some rectal suppositories, according to the affidavit.

WTF?  If a fever occurs after any injury, especially a head injury, get to an emergency room promptly.  I read also that there were other investigations of allegations of abuse.  Did CPS turn a blind eye out of being PC?

[mamacags]

Even though the situation pisses me off I have to add something.  My kids fell about a gajillion times at that age and ended up with knots on their heads.  If I took them to the hospital every time they fell I would have been there every day.  Usually it isn't neglect that keeps parents from getting earlier care for a fall like that, it is the fact that the injuries are on the inside of the head and you can't see the effects instantly.

[thundley4]

Even though the situation pisses me off I have to add something.  My kids fell about a gajillion times at that age and ended up with knots on their heads.  If I took them to the hospital every time they fell I would have been there every day.  Usually it isn't neglect that keeps parents from getting earlier care for a fall like that, it is the fact that the injuries are on the inside of the head and you can't see the effects instantly.

There is a difference in falling and getting a bump on the noggin,( I had plenty of them and I turned out alright  ), and falling down six stairs, and having swelling on both the front and back of the head.

[Chris_]

Even though the situation pisses me off I have to add something.  My kids fell about a gajillion times at that age and ended up with knots on their heads.  If I took them to the hospital every time they fell I would have been there every day.  Usually it isn't neglect that keeps parents from getting earlier care for a fall like that, it is the fact that the injuries are on the inside of the head and you can't see the effects instantly.

Did you see this part?

The next day, the men continued to give her Tylenol, and when she was unable to swallow any more, they purchased some rectal suppositories, according to the affidavit. Melody, who was unable to walk, remained in bed all day and through most of the night. It wasn't until near midnight that Aranda said he dialed 911 after noticing Melody was “taking in deep breaths,” according to the arrest affidavit.

I think that's a bit beyond what you are talking about.

[mamacags]

No I didn't see that part.  I just skimmed the article.   Ignore what I said up there.  I have some f'ing suppositories for those stupid pieces of shit.

[docstew]

No I didn't see that part.  I just skimmed the article.   Ignore what I said up there.  I have some f'ing suppositories for those stupid pieces of shit.

two daddies?  they might enjoy your suppositories... just sayin'