Prosecutors in Nassau County say a hallway on Long Island turned into the scene of a near-fatal attack, as a Hempstead mother allegedly swung her 21-month-old daughter into a concrete wall, leaving the toddler with a fractured skull and other serious injuries. The mother has now been indicted on attempted murder and related felony charges.
The child was rushed to Cohen's Children's Medical Center, treated for her injuries, and released into her father's care on March 20. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly said the little girl has “incredibly made a full recovery.”
What prosecutors allege
According to prosecutors, the violence unfolded on March 9. They say 28-year-old Chantel Barnes walked into the hallway of her Hempstead apartment building covered in blood, shouted that she had killed her child, and then “began to fling the child in circles,” slamming the toddler against a concrete wall.
Moments later, the girl's father came home and, with help from a family member, called 911 while Barnes allegedly ran from the building. Investigators later tracked her down, according to Patch.
Charges and courtroom status
A Nassau County grand jury indicted Barnes on second-degree attempted murder, first- and second-degree assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. She pleaded not guilty at her arraignment and is due back in court on May 19, according to News 12.
Child's treatment and recovery
Doctors at Cohen's Children's Medical Center treated the toddler for a skull fracture, a clavicle fracture, and other internal injuries before discharging her to her father's care on March 20. A judge set bail at $110,000 cash, $200,000 bond, and a $1,000,000 partially secured bond.
Donnelly said, “After medical intervention, the little girl has incredibly made a full recovery,” according to Patch.
Investigation and arrest
Nassau County Police Department detectives in the Special Victims Squad arrested Barnes weeks after the March incident, prosecutors said. Authorities say she was found walking down the street after leaving the apartment building, and the investigation remains active, per News 12.
Legal stakes
If Barnes is convicted on the attempted murder charge, she faces a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, prosecutors say. A stay-away order of protection has been issued while the case moves forward, as detailed in local coverage by PIX11.
What’s next
Barnes is scheduled to return to court on May 19 for further proceedings, and prosecutors say they intend to keep pressing the case as the investigation continues. The district attorney's announcement and key court dates have been widely reported by local outlets, including AOL.
