Florida Caretaker Arrested After Police Say She Burned 3- and 5-Year-Old Children’s Hands on a Hot Griddle for Asking for More Food
FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA — A Florida woman is behind bars after investigators say she intentionally burned the hands of two young children she was caring for, leaving the 3-year-old and 5-year-old with severe, untreated injuries. Authorities say the woman punished the children simply because they asked for more food.
Caretaker Admitted to Burning the Children, Police Say
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as 52-year-old Jeny Soto-Duenas, who was watching the children early Tuesday morning at a trailer home in Fort Walton Beach. A relative later told police that Soto-Duenas admitted to holding the children’s hands down on a hot griddle.
According to deputies, the woman said she became “frustrated” when the children requested more food after they had already eaten — prompting her to force their hands onto the heated surface.
Severe Second- and Third-Degree Burns Found at Hospital
The children were taken to a Florida hospital Tuesday night with severe, untreated burns to their palms. Medical staff determined they suffered second- and third-degree burns, injuries that required urgent specialized treatment.
Both children were transported to a burn center in Alabama for further care.
Investigators say Soto-Duenas provided no medical treatment and did not seek help for the children after burning them.
Suspect Arrested and Held Without Bail
Soto-Duenas was arrested Wednesday and charged with child neglect causing great bodily harm. She is being held without bail at the Okaloosa County Jail.
The sheriff’s office added that she is also being held on an ICE detainer, meaning immigration officials are reviewing her custody status.
Authorities have not released additional details about the children’s long-term condition but say the investigation remains active.
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