Parents charged with child abuse
Published 9:49 am Saturday, February 12, 2011
CONWAY — A father and mother are facing child abuse charges after their infant son was hospitalized with injuries to his head and leg.
Martin Resendez, 24, of Doolittle Road, Conway, was taken into custody by Northampton County Sherriff’s Detective Sgt. Lynette Clements on Feb. 2. Resendez was charged with three counts of child abuse inflicting serious injury.
Additionally, on Feb. 3, Jessica Jones, 21, of Doolittle Road, Conway, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor child abuse and three counts contributing to delinquency of a juvenile.
According to NCSO Chief Detective Capt. D.M. Harmon, the charges stem from a report received from Northampton County Department of Social Services that revealed a two-month-old child had been admitted to Pitt Memorial Hospital due to non-accidental injuries. Harmon said the baby boy was suffering from head injuries as well as a broken leg.
A joint investigation between DSS and the sheriff’s office was conducted, which resulted in arrest warrants being drawn.
Harmon said on Jan. 27, the NCSO went to the home where Resendez resided. When the suspect refused to come out, the homeowner, who is also the child’s grandmother, tried to talk Resendez out of the residence via telephone. She eventually unlocked the door for law enforcement.
Once inside, Harmon said it was discovered that a bedroom door was barricaded. After calling Resendez’s name and getting no response, law enforcement made entry to the room where they found the suspect unresponsive with a self-inflicted stab wound to the chest.
Resendez was airlifted to Pitt Memorial Hospital where he was treated. On Feb. 2, Clements was able to make the arrest once the suspect was discharged from the hospital.
Resendez was taken to the Northampton County Jail where his bond was set at $125,000 secured. His first court appearance was set for Feb. 3 and the case was continued until March 31.
Harmon added Resendez has not made bail and remains behind bars.
Jones was taken to the Northampton County Jail and her bond was set at $1,600 secured. Her first court appearance was on Feb. 3 and was continued until Monday. She is currently out on bail.
Harmon added the two-month-old child is progressing at Pitt Memorial Hospital where he is currently in rehabilitation.