Florida – A disturbing case of child abuse in Florida has led to the arrest of a 52-year-old woman, identified as J. Duenas, who now faces serious felony charges after allegedly burning the hands of two children under her care. According to the sheriff’s office, Duenas was charged with two counts of child neglect causing great bodily harm following an incident in which she reportedly used a hot cooking surface to punish the children after they asked to eat more.
Authorities say the shocking event unfolded early Tuesday morning at a trailer home where Duenas was looking after the 3-year-old and 5-year-old victims. When the children requested additional food, Duenas allegedly became frustrated and held their hands on a hot cooking surface, causing severe burns. A family member informed investigators that Duenas had confessed to the act. The injuries were discovered late Tuesday night and the children were taken to a local hospital. Doctors found “severe untreated burns” on both of the children’s palms and determined the injuries were second- and third-degree burns. Given the extent of the wounds, both children were quickly transferred to a specialized hospital in Alabama for further treatment.
The sheriff’s office reported that Duenas did not provide medical care or attempt to treat the injuries after the incident. She reportedly waited the entire day before the children received any help. This delay in treatment, paired with the severity of the burns, contributed to the decision to file charges for neglect causing great bodily harm. Duenas was arrested on Wednesday and is currently being held without bond at the county jail. Authorities have also confirmed that she is on an ICE hold, though details about her immigration status or why that hold was placed have not been released.
The sheriff’s department said the case highlights an alarming failure in caregiving and an extreme response to normal childhood behavior. Officials emphasized that children asking for more food should never be met with violence, especially of this magnitude. “The abuse these children suffered was not only cruel but potentially life-altering,” one official stated. “There is no excuse for inflicting this kind of pain on any child, let alone failing to get them immediate help.” Doctors at the hospital have noted that the children began to show improvement once they were placed in a safe, medical environment. Their recovery is expected to continue under close supervision, but the long-term emotional and physical impact remains unknown.
The incident has caused widespread concern in the local community, with many expressing anger and disbelief at the caretaker’s alleged actions. Advocates for child welfare are urging stronger oversight and support systems to prevent similar situations in the future. As the investigation continues and the legal process moves forward, Duenas remains in custody. The two young victims are now receiving care, but the trauma of what they endured will likely take much longer to heal.
