Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more!
Woman Accused Of Setting 5-Year-Old Stepdaughter's Face On Fire As Punishment For Yelling
Dalia Jimenez initially told authorities the girl was injured in an accident, but later admitted to the truth, according to police.
A Texas woman is being accused of pouring rubbing alcohol on her 5-year-old stepdaughter's face, then setting it on fire as a punishment. a vicious attack on her step-daughter as the young girl recovers from injuries.
Dalia Jimenez of Grand Prairie, Texas was questioned on May 13 after police responded to a call from a neighbor about a child being burned. Jimenez told police the girl had gotten hurt during an accident two days earlier while a candle was being lit. But officers noted inconsistencies in her story before she allegedly admitted on May 24 to the truth.
Detective Greg Parker explained how police arrived at the confession.
“It was about an hour long conversation, but ultimately at the end of that conversation she did confess to me that she had intentionally burned the 5-year-old for yelling previously in the home,” Parker said at a press conference on May 31, according to CBS 11 of Grapevine, Texas. “The burns extended on both sides of her cheeks and just a little bit down to below her jawline, small burns on her shoulder as well.”
Parker added that the injuries to the child, who remains unnamed in reports, had been untreated for two days. The victim was taken to the Children's Medical Center in Dallas for evaluation a day after police first became aware of the situation, according to The Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She was later transferred to Parkland where she was treated for first- and second-degree burns. She has since been released.
Police added that the child's father, who also remains unnamed in reports, was not home at the time of the incident and is not being considered a suspect.
The victim and an unnamed younger sibling were removed from the home by Child Protective Services. They have been placed in the care of relatives, according to The Associated Press.
Jimenez has been charged with felony injury to a child. Jimenez was released from the Grand Prairie detention facility on May 30 after posting $20,000 bond.
Jimenez had previously been questioned by CPS after the same girl had suffered a spiral fracture in one of her arms. Jimenez was not charged with a crime at the time.
"I asked her if she was remorseful and she said she was," Parker added.
