Infant's Tragic Death: A Case Of Abuse And Neglect

Incident Details:

A 20-year-old father, Marlon Rabanales-Pretzantzin, is facing second-degree murder charges after allegedly beating his two month old daughter, Liseyda Rabanales-Barrios, to death in Inwood, Nassau County. 

On March 7, emergency responders found the infant unresponsive after a 911 call initially reported a choking incident. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the baby succumbed to her injuries later that day.

The Investigation:

Authorities revealed that the father initially claimed the baby had fallen off a bed. However, he later confessed to physically assaulting her because he doubted his paternity and did not want the child. 

The abuse included slapping and punching her, violently shaking her, and throwing her onto a bed. An autopsy confirmed severe injuries such as spinal damage, fractured ribs, and internal bleeding.

Family Background:

Rabanales-Pretzantzin, originally from Guatemala, entered the U.S. in 2022. He lived with the child’s mother and their one year old son in the same apartment. 

Following the incident, the mother voluntarily removed their older child from the home. She is not suspected of involvement in the abuse.

Broader Context Of Child Abuse:

Child abuse remains a significant issue in the U.S., with infants being particularly vulnerable. Studies show that children under three years old account for over 70% of fatalities related to abuse. 

Physical abuse alone contributes to nearly half of these deaths. While national efforts have led to a slight decrease in overall child maltreatment cases, tragedies like this highlight ongoing challenges.

Legal Proceedings And Next Steps:

Rabanales-Pretzantzin has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 17. 

Authorities have also indicated that deportation proceedings may follow after his sentencing.

The Need For Awareness And Prevention:

This case underscores the importance of early intervention and support for struggling families. 

Community awareness and accessible resources can play a critical role in preventing such tragedies. 

Strengthening child protection systems remains essential to ensuring the safety of vulnerable children.