A Pinal County woman, Claudia Genis, is in custody for an egregious case of child abuse. According to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, detectives stated this is likely one of the worst cases of child abuse they have investigated in their careers.
According to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, on September 8, 2020, deputies responded to a call for potential child abuse of a patient currently receiving treatment at an area hospital.
The mother of the 8-year-old boy told medical staff that he had been injured falling off his skateboard. However, doctors believed the injuries were more consistent with abuse, and contacted law enforcement.
The child had multiple broken bones and internal organ injuries. His injuries were so severe, the child needed to be flown to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for emergency surgery. The child was listed in critical condition and spent the next several weeks in the hospital recovering. It is likely he had been injured for at least 24-48 hours before being admitted.
At that time, Genis, the child’s mother’s partner, stopped cooperating with the investigation. Detectives found evidence in her phone she was attempting to fabricate a story for law enforcement.
The child was placed in DCS custody. The child later told investigators it was the 29-year-old Genis who hurt him. He disclosed the abuse began when COVID started and he had to stay home from school.
“This case is truly heartbreaking, the fact someone could do this to an innocent child,” said Sheriff Mark Lamb. “But I am thankful our Detectives were able to get to the bottom of it, and free this child from his abuser.”
Genis is being held on a $750K secured bond.
The child’s mother continues to cooperate with PCSO. At this time the investigation is ongoing.