A Maryland mother has been charged with murder and child abuse following the tragic death of her 5-and-a-half-month-old daughter on New Year’s Eve.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation after the infant was admitted to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center with severe injuries, including skull fractures, brain bleeds, and a fractured leg. The baby passed away on December 31, 2024, due to these life-threatening wounds.
The child, who had spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) since birth, had only recently been discharged on December 23, 2024.
However, on December 28, the baby was rushed back to the hospital in critical condition. The injuries raised immediate concerns, prompting Child Protective Services to report the case to authorities.
During their investigation, detectives learned from hospital staff that the infant arrived with multiple serious injuries, including fractures and brain damage.
Maya Dennis, the 32-year-old mother, initially claimed that the injuries occurred when one of her other children accidentally fell on the baby.
READ ALSO: Couple Welcomes Rare Quadruplet Daughters — Two Sets of Identical Twins: ‘Quite a Feat’
However, authorities found inconsistencies in her story after searching her phones and conducting interviews.
Text messages allegedly revealed that Dennis had earlier suggested the injuries were caused during the infant’s NICU stay, contradicting her statement to police.
Further investigation indicated that Dennis was the only person responsible for the baby at the time the injuries were inflicted.
Additionally, detectives questioned a man seen entering the family’s home before the baby was taken to the hospital, though both Dennis and the man denied contact with the child during that time.
Dennis was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and child abuse after making statements that suggested she was responsible for the fatal injuries.
She was denied bail during her court appearance on January 2, 2025. Prosecutors presented evidence of the baby’s severe injuries, including fractures, brain damage, and irreversible bleeding.
Dennis is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on January 30, 2025.