New charges filed after death of 3 month old child abuse victim
By Brittney Carman, Community Relations Specialist
On Friday, Oct. 9, one week after the untimely death of an infant, Detective Barry, with th Citrus County Sheriff's Office, Special Victims Unit arrested 36 year-old Jessica Figueroa of Merritt Island, FL for the death of 3 month-old David Figueroa-Philip.
"As I said in Figueroa's initial arrest, it is never easy for our office to work cases of this nature," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "It becomes even more challenging when the precious child our detectives work so diligently to help passes. May this child rest in peace and may the judge presiding over this case show no mercy towards Figueroa and the brutal harm she inflicted upon this defenseless victim."
In the early morning hours of October 2, 3 month-old David Figueroa-Philip passed away due to traumatic injuries resulting from child abuse. David was hospitalized on the morning of September 28 after deputies responded to a call for service and located him with multiple bruises and swelling to his face and head. Although breathing, the child was not alert or responsive.
Figueroa later admitted to striking the infant numerous times throughout the previous weekend, causing the injuries doctors determined resulted from abuse..
Despite medical intervention, David's injuries were too severe for his survival.
Figueroa, who was still in custody at the Citrus County Detention Facility for her September 28 arrest on charges of aggravated child abuse and child neglect, is now charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child with an additional bond of $30,000.
The CCSO remind everyone, if you see something, say something. Report child abuse to the Florida Department of Children and Families by phone at 1-800-962-2873.