A woman living in the Florida panhandle is in jail and under an ICE hold after deputies say she intentionally burned two young children who asked for more food. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said the children, ages three and five, were brought to Destin Fort Walton Beach Hospital around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday with severe, untreated burns covering the palms of their hands.
According to investigators, a family member told deputies that 52-year-old Jeny Soto Duenas admitted she placed the children’s hands on a hot griddle early Tuesday morning. The family member said Soto Duenas told her she became frustrated when the children asked for more food after they had already eaten. Deputies say she then forced their hands onto the heated surface and held them there.
Despite the seriousness of the injuries, investigators say Soto Duenas did not seek medical care for the children. By the time they were taken to the hospital, the burns were so severe that doctors quickly arranged for them to be transferred to the USA Burn Center in Alabama. Officials say both children suffered second and third-degree burns and required specialized treatment.
Soto Duenas was arrested and charged with two counts of child neglect with great bodily harm. She is being held without bond at the Okaloosa County Jail. Deputies also confirmed she is under an ICE detainer, though they did not release details about her immigration status or what led authorities to place her on hold.
It remains unclear what relationship, if any, Soto Duenas has to the children. Investigators have not released additional information about whether she is a caregiver, family member, or someone else involved in their daily life.
The sheriff’s office described the case as deeply disturbing, noting that not only were the injuries intentionally inflicted, but the children were left without medical attention for hours. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the full circumstances behind the abuse and ensure the children receive proper care and protection.
More information is expected to be released as the case proceeds.
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