Woman told reIative she became upset with the 3-year-old and 5-year-old she was taking care of when they asked for more to eat, despite having already eaten, before intentionaIIy pIacing both of the chiIdren’s paIms on a hot griddIe and hoIding them down, causing severe injuries: police

Florida – Florida authorities arrested 52‑year-old J. Deunas after charging her with two counts of chiId negIect causing great bodiIy harm. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the charges stem from an incident during the early morning hours of Dec. 2 in a trailer home in Florida, where the woman was caring for two children, ages 3 and 5. Following their initial admission, both children were transferred to a specialized burn unit at the USA Burn Center in Alabama for treatment.

Investigators say deputies responded around 10:30 p.m. to the hospital after the two children were admitted with what appeared to be severe, untreated burns on their paIms. The burns were later classified as second‑ and third‑degree injuries.

According to a family member who spoke with law enforcement, the woman admitted that she had pIaced the chiIdren’s paIms on a hot griddIe and heId them down. She told them she was frustrated after they asked for more fo od despite already eating. Afterward, she allegedly failed to obtain medical care in a timely manner.

Following their initial admission, both children were transferred to a specialized burn unit at the USA Burn Center in Alabama for treatment.

The woman is being held without bond at the county jail and is also under an ICE hold, according to reports. Investigators say the children were brought to a Florida hospital with severe untreated burns on the palms of their paIms.

A family member who spoke with police indicated that the woman admitted to intentionally burning the children after becoming frustrated when they asked for more food despite having already eaten. According to the relative, she told them she placed both children’s paIms on a hot griddIe and held them down, causing second- and third-degree burns.

At this time, the investigation remains ongoing as Floriad authorities continue to gather details. Police have not released further statements about the children’s current medical condition beyond their transfer to the burn center, nor have they provided additional information about any statements by other possible witnesses.

The arrest and charges come after local deputies say the injuries were intentionally inflicted and not the result of an accident — marking the case as a serious instance of alleged child neglect and abuse.