Georgia couple arrested over death of 2-year-old they were babysitting
10/11/2021 3:39 pm PDT
HALL COUNTY, Ga. (TCD) -- A 31-year-old man and 32-year-old woman from Gainesville, Georgia, were arrested Monday after a toddler they were babysitting died from various injuries.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office announced Juan Martinez and Nancy Martinez were taken into custody early Monday morning and charged with murder and first-degree cruelty to children.
The Sheriff’s Office said the Martinezes were looking after Valeria Jordon Garfias at their residence on the 2000 block of Bennett Circle while Valeria’s parents were at work. The Hall County Sheriff’s Office alleges Juan and Nancy Martinez "caused traumatic brain injury and other internal injuries" to Valeria sometime between noon and 2 p.m.
Hall County Fire Services reportedly received a call regarding the child’s injuries Sunday at approximately 1:50 p.m. Valeria was then flown to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta where she died from her wounds. Hospital staff called officials due to the nature of her injuries, the Sheriff’s Office said.
According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Valeria’s body was sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab for autopsy.
According to Hall County Jail records, Juan and Nancy Martinez are both being held without bond.
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