A Gainesville mother is behind bars after deputies say her 2-year-old was found unresponsive with severe bruises across the child's body. The toddler was rushed to a hospital and remains under medical care, fighting for life, according to authorities. Investigators say statements and physical evidence at the scene pointed to the child's mother as the person responsible for the injuries.
What deputies say
According to FOX 35 Orlando, Alachua County deputies were called to an apartment in Gainesville's Tower Oaks neighborhood on Thursday, June 18, after a 911 report of an unresponsive child. Investigators said the toddler, described as about 2 years old, had extreme bruising across the body.
Deputies told the station that a friend at the apartment performed CPR and repeatedly urged the mother, identified as 29-year-old Jessica Wilson, to call 911. When Wilson did not, the friend ultimately made the emergency call, according to the report.
Charges and sheriff's statement
Wilson was arrested and now faces one count of aggravated child abuse and a second child-abuse charge connected to an alleged incident that investigators say took place two days earlier, FOX 35 Orlando reported.
In a statement quoted by the station, Sheriff Chad Scott said, "As this young child fights for their life, our prayers are with them," and he pledged that the agency would pursue justice. The sheriff's office has not released further information while the investigation continues.
What the law says
Under Florida law, aggravated child abuse is a serious felony that covers conduct causing significant bodily harm. The legal definition and required elements are set out in the Florida Statutes. Prosecutors must be able to prove that the conduct met those statutory elements before filing or pursuing charges. How this case ultimately proceeds will depend on the evidence gathered by investigators and the decisions of the state attorney.
How to report and next steps
The Alachua County Sheriff's Office says the investigation remains active and has not yet released booking details or court dates. Anyone with information or tips has been asked to contact the agency. For contact information and general updates, visit the sheriff's office website at acso.us.
Reports of suspected child abuse in Florida can also be made to the Florida Abuse Hotline, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
