Former Salina Day Care Provider Pleads Not Guilty to Abuse

April 15, 2010

Latest Update

Amanda Castro pled not guilty to child abuse and aggravated battery in a Salina courtroom Monday.

The charges stem from an incident involving a three-month-old baby in her care. The child now has brain damage.

Castro will go to trial in September.

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Original Coverage

By Melody Pettit (SALINA, Kan.)

Amanda Castro is accused of shaking a three-month-old baby and causing severe brain damage

The 30-year-old Castro is charged with aggravated battery and child abuse both of which are felonies. Witnesses testified Thursday morning at her preliminary hearing, including the mother of the baby.

The investigator who testified said Castro was stressed out and couldn't get the three month old to stop crying. Police say she snapped and admitted to shaking the baby.

They say Castro called 911 and at first blamed the baby's condition on falling from a baby swing. But when the injuries didn't fit an accidental injury, she was questioned further, and that's when she admitted to the shaking.

Doctors who also testified say the baby suffered from extensive brain damage including bleeding and swelling in the brain as well as hemorrhaging in the eyes. They say those injuries would not have occurred from an accidental fall.

The baby has been in and out of the hospital and the mother says he may have permanent damage.

The preliminary hearing is only to prove to the judge there is cause to go to trial so we didn't hear Castro's side of the story. Her attorney says he will present her case during trail.

"I believe in the system and I'm sure if people come in and hear all the evidence, they may come to a conclusion other than what the state has alleged," said Roger Struble, Castro's attorney.

Castro's attorney says his client is expected to plead not guilty. Her arraignment is scheduled for Monday, April 19.

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