Ronald Christalin {BSO}
By Ryan Yousefi
The father of a four-month-old girl has been charged with several offenses following her hospitalization for numerous fractures, sparking an investigation that unveiled a disturbing pattern of abuse.
According to an affidavit filed by the Broward Sheriff’s Office that led to the arrest of the father, later identified as Ronald Christalin, 26, law enforcement was first alerted to a case of a baby with a broken femur and multiple rib fractures at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood on December 21.
The medical staff, including a nurse practitioner from the Child Protection Team, reported that the victim showed signs of physical abuse, including soft tissue swelling, bruising, and a range of fractures throughout her body.
Records show the initial investigation quickly revealed a pattern of injury and neglect. Initially, the victim’s mother claimed that the baby had fallen from a bed, but further questioning led to her claiming to have not secured the baby properly in a car seat, leading to an accident.
Further inquiry uncovered that the baby had sustained multiple injuries over a period, indicative of blunt force trauma. These included ten lateral rib fractures, seven posterior rib fractures, and fractures to the left femur, among others, some of which were in various stages of healing, signs indicative of ongoing abuse.
Medical evaluations contradicted both parents’ explanations. For example, doctors from Joe DiMaggio Hospital noted that the baby’s injuries could not have resulted from a fall or a car incident.
Text messages later revealed that the mother was attempting to cover up for Ronald, who she was aware had injured the child.
A warrant for Ronald’s arrest shows as the investigation unfolded, it became apparent that not only were he and the child’s mother responsible for the injuries but despite the clear need for medical attention, there was no evidence that the baby received any medical care for her injuries before her hospitalization.
On February 5, Ronald was taken into custody at his Tamarac home and arrested for child neglect with great bodily harm. He was later transported to the Broward County Main Jail.
There is no indication in the report that the mother will face charges, so Tamarac Talk is withholding her name until further information is released to the public.
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