GATESVILLE, Texas (TCN) — A couple has been arrested and charged with multiple counts in connection with the alleged malnourishment of their 9-month-old daughter.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by KCEN, the investigation into 22-year-old Adariance Rahman and 23-year-old Jenny Sanchez began after police responded to a welfare check on July 20. A caller was concerned that the infant was not being properly taken care of.
Responding officers noted that the child in question showed “signs of extreme malnourishment” with her bones being “prominently visible” through her skin. According to the criminal complaint, she appeared “severely underweight” for her age and was pale, with loose skin.
The child’s mother, Sanchez, allegedly told police the girl had not been to the doctor since her birth and had recently been ill. She also claimed she nursed the baby until she was 4 months old and then fed her water and squeezable pouches of baby food instead of formula.
The child was admitted to the hospital, according to KCEN, where staff confirmed she was severely malnourished. Records indicated she was born weighing 6 pounds, 14 ounces. When she was admitted to the hospital, she weighed 7 pounds, 16.3 ounces. In addition, they found she had bone abnormalities and refeeding syndrome and could potentially suffer from growth issues and developmental and motor delays.
KWTX reports a judge issued arrest warrants July 21 for both parents. Sanchez was arrested at the hospital and Rahman was arrested at home the following day.
Rahman and Sanchez are charged with injury to a child and child endangerment, per KCEN. Their daughter was placed into protective custody. According to KWTX, two other children who were living in the home were taken in by a relative.
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