Missouri Toddler Found Malnourished With Multiple Fractures After Mother 'Tortured' Girl For 18 Months

A woman in Joplin, Missouri, was charged Wednesday after her three-year-old daughter was found with multiple fractures all over the body.

According to the probable-cause affidavit, the accused, identified as 24-year-old Celia Lara-Licon, met the state child welfare workers March 3 and told them that she had been abusing her daughter for 18 months. She told them that she was frustrated with her daughter and hit her several times.

The following day, the woman brought her daughter to the emergency room of a hospital stating that the girl was continuously vomiting. A medical examination revealed that the girl was severely dehydrated and malnourished. The girl suffered from kidney failure and required dialysis. It was also revealed that the girl had fractures to nine bones, including two ribs and both arms. She also had bruises on her face and ear. The doctors said the victim was not seen by a medical professional for almost 18 months.

Due to the severity of her condition, the girl was immediately flown to the Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. It was further revealed that the girl had suffered a blunt force trauma to her abdomen and the specialist classified it as a case of "child torture.”

The mother of the child was arrested and charged with first-degree domestic assault, child abuse and child endangerment Wednesday. She was held in jail without bond and her next hearing was scheduled for April 1.