Baltimore Father Blamed ‘Satan’ for 2-Month-Old Baby’s Death
Katerin Monzon-Alvarado and Oscar Pineda, both 21, have been arrested after the death of their 2-month-old daughter in Baltimore, Maryland, with court documents revealing disturbing allegations about the injuries suffered by the infant.
The baby, identified as Aida Alvarado, was taken to MedStar Harbor Hospital after becoming unresponsive and was pronounced dead Wednesday. A subsequent examination found significant head and brain trauma, including multiple skull fractures, according to charging documents.
The case has drawn attention after prosecutors said Pineda told investigators that a supernatural force or Satan was responsible for his daughter’s injuries.
Who Are Katerin Monzon-Alvarado and Oscar Pineda?
According to CBS Baltimore, the couple lived in a basement home on Brooklyn Avenue in Baltimore’s Brooklyn neighborhood. Police said Monzon-Alvarado brought the baby to Harbor Hospital after she became unresponsive.
The couple was subsequently taken into custody and charged with first- and second-degree child abuse, first- and second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.
Prosecutors told the court that the parents are Guatemalan nationals and argued that they represented an extreme flight risk. Court records cited by CBS Baltimore indicate that Pineda had been living at the home for about a year after previously living in Glen Burnie. He works as a plumber, while Monzon-Alvarado works at a restaurant.
When Aida was brought to the hospital, doctors noticed suspicious bruising around the baby’s eyes and jawline. Medical staff attempted to revive her, but she died.
Why Did Oscar Pineda Blame ‘Satan’?
One of the most unusual allegations in the case emerged during court proceedings. Oscar Pineda told police his daughter was injured “due to a supernatural force or Satan slamming a door on the child.” Authorities have not accepted that explanation as the cause of the baby’s injuries.
Monzon-Alvarado reportedly gave investigators a different explanation for the baby’s injuries.
According to prosecutors, she blamed her 2-year-old son, saying he frequently jumped on the bed and that the infant may have fallen onto the floor.
Monzon-Alvarado’s public defender said she denies allegations that she harmed her daughter. The defense also pointed to the condition of the home, saying investigators found it orderly and without signs of neglect.
Both parents currently face charges including first-degree child abuse, second-degree child abuse, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.
The charges carry a maximum possible sentence of 55 years in prison, according to CBS Baltimore.
Baltimore police said additional homicide charges could be filed depending on the findings of the autopsy.
