Woman arrested on suspicion of causing brain injury to 15-month-old girl in Apple Valley

APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- Detectives arrested a 45-year-old woman on suspicion of causing skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury to a 15-month-old girl in Apple Valley.

Authorities said the incident happened around 5:56 p.m. on Aug. 31 in the 1800 block of Symeron Road. Detectives responded to St. Mary's Medical Center regarding a case of suspected child abuse. Medical staff determined the young victim had a skull fracture and possible bleeding on the brain.

The child stopped breathing and was resuscitated. She was then transported to Loma Linda University Children's Hospital to receive better care. The victim's injuries included broken bones and the brain injury. She remains hospitalized in critical condition.

An investigation was launched and detectives determined the child's injuries were inconsistent with statements provided by family members. Authorities believed the injuries were caused by abuse.

The incident was reported to the San Bernardino County Department of Children and Family Services. Detectives then interviewed several people and learned the victim was in the care of a suspect identified as Sammie Jenkins, of Apple Valley, at the time she was hurt.

Authorities also learned there were five other young kids living with Jenkins as well as two of her adult children.

Detectives then arrested Jenkins on suspicion of causing injuries to the young girl. Jenkins was booked into the Central Detention Center on suspicion of felony child abuse involving great bodily injury resulting in a comatose state.

She was being held in lieu of $500,000. Jenkins was then charged with one count of assault on a child causing paralysis and one count of felony child abuse by the district attorney's office.

Her court date was pending. The investigation was ongoing.