It’s possible that parents of a toddler abused by her 10-year-old babysitter may be charged, according to authorities in Beloit. The 23-month-old’s mother took her to the hospital last Friday, saying the child fell out of a crib. Police say an evaluation showed the child had been injured over a period of time. She’s expected to recover, but may suffer from developmental problems due to multiple brain injuries.
A police investigation led to the babysitter, not related to the toddler, who’d been watching the child for several weeks. The sitter was arrested after admitting to the abuse. Now investigators are looking at the parents’ responsibility for allowing a 10-year-old to babysit for an extended period of time.
“The matter is still under investigation and wouldn’t preclude any other arrests,” says Captain Bill Tyler.
Tyler says the abuse charge against the girl is a serious charge, but doesn’t think the matter will end up in adult court.
Robin Colbert-WIBA