A Plainfield man faces serious charges after authorities say he critically injured his girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter. Jordan Padilla, age 21, has been charged with multiple counts, including battery, domestic battery, aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, and aggravated battery of a child. The harrowing incident occurred late Saturday evening in the 21500 block of W. Franklin Circle, according to ABC 7 Chicago.
Deputies from the Will County Sheriff's Office arrived just before 7 p.m. to find medical personnel from the Lockport Township Fire Protection District already assisting the injured child. Authorities noted she was unconscious but still breathing at the scene. After an initial assessment that revealed a brain bleed and a fractured skull, the 2-year-old was urgently transported to a local hospital. Subsequent examination identified additional disturbing signs, such as bruising around a left eye and abdomen, with ABC 7 Chicago reporting that the child was in critical condition.
The suspicion of abuse was triggered after first responders noticed the suspicious nature of the child's injuries. The subsequent examination by doctors confirmed a "blown left pupil," "left-sided gaze preference," and bruising on the child's left orbital area. The injuries suggested potential internal trauma, which necessitated a transfer to a Chicago area hospital for more intensive care. This is according to CBS News Chicago.
The child's mother and her boyfriend, Padilla, were both home during the incident. Padilla made inconsistent and incriminating statements to first responders and later during questioning by detectives. He demonstrated how the injury occurred, admitting that he struck the child with his elbow, a revelation that led to his arrest and subsequent charges. As of last reporting, the child's condition had stabilized, but she remained in the hospital for treatment.
Currently, Padilla is being held at the Will County Adult Detention Facility, awaiting his first court appearance. More information will surely come to light as the case against Padilla proceeds through the judicial system.
