Maryland Couple Charged After Infant’s Death

A couple from Maryland has been charged following the death of their 2-month-old daughter. The child suffered severe head injuries, and the father allegedly attributed these injuries to ‘Satan slamming a door on the child,’ according to charging documents and prosecutors.

Oscar Pineda and Katerin Monzon-Alvarado, both aged 21, face charges of first and second-degree child abuse, first and second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment. These charges could result in a maximum sentence of 55 years in prison. Baltimore Police indicate they might also face homicide charges depending on the results of the autopsy report.

The infant, Aida Mikea Monzon Alvarado, was brought to Harbor Hospital with severe bruising around her eyes and jawline. Doctors described the injuries as ‘suspicious’. Subsequent examinations revealed significant head and brain trauma, with multiple skull fractures initially unnoticed.

Pineda allegedly explained to police that his daughter’s injuries were due to a ‘supernatural force or Satan slamming a door on the child.’ Meanwhile, the child’s mother suggested their 2-year-old son might have caused the baby to fall by jumping on the bed. However, prosecutors refuted this, stating the injuries could not result from a single bed fall.

The child became unresponsive when lying face down after feeding. The mother took her to the hospital, describing the child as ‘freezing and in shock.’ The hospital staff could not revive the baby, who died shortly after arrival.

Both parents admitted to discovering bruises on the child on September 6. The infant started vomiting the next day, yet they delayed seeking medical help until she was unresponsive. As Guatemalan nationals, prosecutors view them as flight risks. The couple remains in custody without bail.