December 4, 2024—A 21-year-old mother from Raleigh, North Carolina, has been arrested on charges of child abuse after allegedly punching her 6-week-old infant and leaving the baby unattended in a cold car while she worked.
Incident Details
On November 20, Nikita Jones reportedly left her 6-week-old baby unrestrained in the back seat of her vehicle in the parking lot of a downtown Raleigh McDonald’s, where she was employed. The car was not running, and temperatures were around 40 degrees Fahrenheit at the time.
The following day, authorities discovered the infant with visible injuries, including bruising around both eyes, swelling, and a facial scratch. Investigations revealed that Jones allegedly punched the baby in the face prior to leaving her in the car.
Legal Proceedings
Jones was arrested on December 4 and charged with misdemeanor child abusehild abuse resulting in serious physical injury. She is currently held on a $55,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on December 19.
Child’s Condition
The current condition of the infant has not been publicly disclosed. Au released further information regarding the child’s welfare.
Community Response
This incident has raised concerns about child safety and the importance of proper childcare arrangements. Local organizations are urging parents to seek safe and reliable childcare options to prevent such tragedies.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For official updates, please refer to statements from the Raleigh Police Department and other authorized agencies.
