Criminal charges have been filed against a couple accused of abusing their 14-year-old daughter. Allegations against the pair include beatings that resulted in broken bones. Court records say 32 year-old Minerva Lopez and 38 year-old Porfirio Olivas-Lopez kept the girl in a closet at their Town of Madison apartment..
According to the criminal complaint , Minerva Lopez hit the girl with objects, including a broomstick, a frying pan, a bat, and a metal rod. The beatings broke bones and left bruises over the girl's body. The mother also poured hot water on the girl's body. Her wrists had also been cut with a knife.
Prifirio Olivas-Lopez is accused of hitting the girl with his hands and a belt. He also kicked the girl on at least one occasion. The couple hav five children, the youngest born two weeks ago. All are now in protective custody. Dane County social workers had contact with the abused girl several times this year, according to records. The girl insisted that the injuries were caused by "accidents," but had told a friend the injuries were caused by her mother. The records show investigators could not determine the girl's injuries were caused at home.
Social workers called police to the girl's home last weekend. Officers found the girl "covered from head to toe with bruises and various bloody wounds to the top scalp of her head." She was emaciated. The couple reportedly has told investigators they believed their daughter "had the devil in her." They say they abused the girl in fits of stress.
