Murrieta mother arrested for alleged child abuse, twin sons sent to hospital

MURRIETA, Calif. (KABC) -- A mother in Murrieta was arrested Wednesday after her 3-year-old twin sons were hospitalized for malnutrition and neglect.

Police arrested Courtney Lynn Stewart, 24, and charged her with willful harm to a child and corporal punishment or injury to a child.

According to police, one of Stewart's 3-year-old sons was hospitalized in critical condition at Rancho Springs Hospital Nov. 7. Hospital staff found the child to be severely malnourished, weighing less than 15 pounds. He also had what they determined to be suspicious bruises. Staffed called police to the hospital before the boy was taken to Rady Children's Center in San Diego. He remained hospitalized in the ICU Wednesday.

Police launched an investigation at the child's home later that day. They found the child's twin brother also appearing to suffer from malnutrition. He was taken to the hospital for an examination, where staff determined he had a fractured jaw, and severe case of nutritional and medical neglect.

Stewart is being held at the Southwest Detection Center.

An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at (951)461-6354 or (951)461-6356. Tips may also be made anonymously at 1-800-78-CRIME.