A man has been arrested on suspicion of child abuse after a 6-week-old infant in his care was hospitalized with serious injuries, including 17 rib fractures, according to court documents. Authorities identified the suspect as Rodolfo Rosette.
Police were contacted by hospital staff after doctors determined the baby’s injuries were consistent with repeated abuse. Medical evaluations revealed the infant suffered fractures to her ribs, femur, and tibia. Doctors documented a total of 17 rib fractures in varying stages of healing, bruises across her body, a torn frenulum in her mouth, and blood in her vomit and feces.
The baby was also found to be underweight. Medical experts concluded the rib fractures were caused by compression, pointing to multiple instances of trauma. When interviewed by police, Rosette admitted he had “gripped” the child too tightly when he was frustrated, CBS affiliate KXTS reported.
He also acknowledged strapping her too forcefully into a car seat. Rosette said the straps were tightened until the baby “squealed.” Investigators later examined the car seat and reported that their hands could barely fit between the straps and the seat.
Rosette further told police that he held a bottle in the infant’s mouth, which investigators believe may have caused the torn frenulum. He also admitted to pulling on her legs in an attempt to help her pass a bowel movement. Medical staff determined that the motion likely caused the femur fracture, while Rosette said the baby resisted extending her legs, and he pulled on them too hard.
The severity of the case alarmed both investigators and medical staff, who emphasized that the injuries indicated repeated episodes of abuse over time. Court records detail that many of the rib fractures were healing, suggesting prior incidents before the infant was brought to the hospital, KTAB reported.
Three weeks after the baby was removed from Rosette’s care, a follow-up medical appointment revealed a marked improvement. Doctors found no new bruises or fractures, and the infant had begun gaining weight, providing further evidence that the injuries occurred while she was under Rosette’s supervision.
Rosette has been charged with child abuse and remains in custody as the investigation continues. Officials said the case highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable infants and the importance of vigilant reporting by medical staff when abuse is suspected.