GAINESVILLE, FL – A 2-year-old girl remains in critical condition after deputies say her mother beat, punched, and stomped her inside a Gainesville apartment, then refused to call 911 as the child stopped breathing Thursday night.
Jessica Wilson, 29, is charged with aggravated child abuse and an additional count of child abuse tied to a separate incident two days earlier, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. Emergency crews were called shortly after 9 p.m. to the Tower Oaks Glen Apartments, where a child was reported unconscious and not breathing.
A deputy carried the child to an ambulance as paramedics performed lifesaving measures before rushing her to a children’s hospital. Authorities reported the toddler had “significant bruising.”
Details from the apartment and 911 response
Investigators said Wilson and her child had been staying with a friend at the complex for about two weeks. According to deputies, Wilson woke the friend and said the child was not breathing. The friend began CPR and urged Wilson to call for help.
“Wilson refused, and after multiple pleas, the friend called 911 herself while continuing CPR,” deputies wrote. “While deputies and paramedics were on scene, Wilson made statements indicating she was responsible for harming the child.”
According to an arrest affidavit, Wilson later told investigators she avoided calling 911 because she believed she would get in trouble due to the child’s injuries.
Injuries and statements to investigators
Doctors placed the child in a medically induced coma after she arrived at the hospital. Authorities said she suffered skull fractures, bruising to her back, and possible internal bleeding. Emergency surgery was performed as her condition worsened.
After being advised of her rights, Wilson reportedly told investigators she became angry because the child was not listening. She admitted to beating the toddler with a belt and her fists, and said when the child tried to get away, she pulled her back and stomped on her. She reportedly acknowledged she “went too far.”
Deputies said two belts were recovered at the scene.
Sheriff Chad Scott addressed the case in a statement, saying, “What happened to this child shakes every one of us to our core. No child should ever endure this kind of suffering.” He added, “As this young child fights for their life, under the care of dedicated medical professionals, our prayers are with them. I am incredibly proud of the deputies, paramedics, and detectives who acted with urgency, compassion, and determination in the face of such a heartbreaking situation. We will continue to stand for this child and pursue justice with everything we have.”
Chris Sims, a public information officer for the sheriff’s office, urged caregivers to seek help before situations escalate. “I beg our community, if you feel overwhelmed as a parent, if you feel overwhelmed as a caregiver, if you just cannot control your anger toward your child, please reach out,” Sims said. “Call us, call the Department of Children and Families, call a trusted family member to get a break for a few days or a weekend.”
Wilson was taken into custody and remains held at the Alachua County Jail as the investigation continues.
