POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A 36-year-old woman was arrested in Polk County after her 4-year-old child was beaten to death, according to sheriff’s officials.
Patricia Saintizaire faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse and tampering with a witness.
Recommended Videos
According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, the child was taken to a hospital on May 1 after a 16-year-old in the home noticed he was lethargic and not responsive.
“Patricia says, ‘He’s faking it, give him something to eat,’” Judd said. “He can’t eat. He goes unconscious.”
The sheriff added that doctors at AdventHealth Heart of Florida said the boy had a “significant issue.” The child was then taken to Orlando Health, where he ultimately died, Judd said.
“And that’s when we get involved a couple of days later. We find injuries where this child has been beaten,” Judd said.
The sheriff’s office’s investigation revealed a history of abuse leading up to the boy’s death, including video of the boy being thrown into a pool with his hands tied behind his back. Judd said an autopsy revealed “layers of bruises and injuries” from past beatings.
Judd said the boy was born and adopted in Haiti by Saintizaire’s sister. And after three years of the adoption process, he was able to arrive in the U.S. and live with the suspect.
“Despite his abusive treatment, they (the boy’s school) said he was a happy child,” Judd said. “This never should have happened.”
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: