Jacksonville police say a babysitter admitted she repeatedly threw and shoved an infant over several weeks, leaving the child clinging to life with devastating injuries. According to arrest reports, 27-year-old Alexus Wortman was taken into custody along with two adults who lived with the child, 30-year-old Zaben Kinard and 28-year-old Jasmine Kinard, after the baby was transferred to Wolfson Children’s Hospital late last month. Investigators say medical staff reported the infant had a fractured skull, a brain bleed and multiple broken bones and remained in critical condition.
Arrest Reports Detail String of Alleged Assaults
Arrest reports obtained by News4JAX state that Wortman described at least three separate incidents between June 11 and June 29.
Investigators say Wortman first told detectives that on June 11 she threw an object (possibly a bottle) at the child’s head. On June 24, she said she slipped while carrying the infant. Then, on June 29, she allegedly admitted she “snapped” and shoved the child into a closet area.
According to the reports, Wortman told detectives she did not promptly report the injuries because she feared being evicted and ending up homeless.
Severe Injuries and Hospital Treatment
Medical teams at Wolfson Children’s Hospital and local emergency rooms documented a grim list of injuries, including a skull fracture, brain bleed, fractured sternum, several rib fractures in different stages of healing, blood pooling in the stomach and what appeared to be a human bite mark, as reported by WOKV.
Investigators say the child was first taken to Baptist Hospital Town Center, then transferred to Wolfson, where doctors intubated the infant and ordered further testing. Officials told detectives that imaging and photographs showed extensive head swelling along with other trauma.
Parents’ Response and Criminal Charges
According to investigators, the Kinards brought the baby to Baptist Hospital Town Center three times in June. At least once, they allowed medical staff to treat the child’s swelling as a possible allergic reaction.
Arrest reports say the child’s father later told detectives he “knew there was a pattern” to the injuries and admitted he failed to protect the infant, according to News4JAX.
Wortman, Zaben Kinard and Jasmine Kinard were booked into the Duval County jail on July 1. Wortman is charged with aggravated child abuse, while the Kinards face multiple counts of child neglect with great bodily harm.
Legal Implications
Under Florida law, aggravated child abuse is a first-degree felony, and child neglect that results in great bodily harm is a second-degree felony. Sentencing in such cases is governed by the state’s criminal punishment code.
The specific definitions of aggravated child abuse and neglect, along with the associated penalties, are outlined in Florida Statute §827.03, which will guide prosecutors and the courts in Duval County as the case progresses.
How to Report Suspected Child Abuse
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
To report suspected abuse or neglect in Florida, you can contact the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) or file a report online with the Department of Children and Families. The DCF abuse-hotline page offers guidance for mandated reporters as well as community members, including how to document concerns and locate local resources.
The case remains under investigation and is moving through the Duval County court system. Booking records show all three suspects were jailed on July 1. This story will be updated as charging documents, court dates and further medical information become available.
