KIIITV News
Story Created: Jun 10, 2010 at 6:26 PM CDT
Story Updated: Jun 10, 2010 at 6:34 PM CDT
(June 10, 2010)

SINTON--A Sinton mother is in the San Patricio County Jail tonight charged with two counts of child abuse, involving her six-month old son. Investigators said the child is now recovering from multiple broken bones. They believe it's all the result of a beating, but her family said it was an accident.

Authorites said a six-month-old child suffered three broken ribs and a broken arm. They believe his mother is responsible for the injuries.

"She's a good mother," said Cynthia Espinosa, who knew the accused mother. "She would take care of those kids. She would. I have never seen her hurt them in any possible way."

40-year-old Maria Gussoni of Sinton is charged with two counts of injury to a child. It's believed the six-month-old child suffered the injuries at this house on West Sinton street two weeks ago.

Authorities said the broken arm occurred when she pulled it while giving the toddler a bath. When he was taken to the hospital, they discovered three broken ribs that were healing.

Gussoni told police it was from a fall a few weeks ago and her family can't believe she's in jail.

"Accidents happen," Espinosa said. "Even an adult can fall and break his arm or what not, especially a baby. If he falls, he's going to break an arm or a leg or something. It's merely an accident and we believe that."

The six-month-old child has been released from the hospital and is recovering from his injuries Gussoni lived with her husband and a 19-month-old child at the house. The father isn't considered a suspect of any child abuse.

Meanwhile, CPS has removed both children from the home and placed them with relatives. A court hearing will be held next week in San Patricio County. CPS wants to ask for legal custody and put the children in foster care.

--Manuel De La Rosa, Area 3 News, mdelarosa@kiiitv.com

http://www.kiiitv.com/news/area3news/96100949.html

Emphasis added by H4K Editor