Miami, FL – A 29-year-old Florida mother has been arrested after allegedly beating her 9-year-old son “daily” and leaving him at a stranger’s house, while her two other young children, including a 3-month-old baby, were found home alone, according to Miami-Dade County authorities.
The suspect, Anni Gomez, now faces one count of child abuse and three counts of child neglect, all without great bodily harm.
The Incident: Child Left with a Stranger
According to an arrest affidavit, the incident unfolded on Saturday after Gomez contacted a woman on WhatsApp about buying tamales. When she arrived at the woman’s home, Gomez unexpectedly asked if the woman could take care of her children.
“I don’t know you,” the woman reportedly told Gomez, explaining that while she did provide child care services, they would need to discuss the matter further before any arrangement could be made.
Despite the refusal, police said Gomez opened the Uber door, pushed her 9-year-old son out, and quickly drove off, leaving the boy behind with a stranger. The woman, alarmed, noticed the child had visible injuries on his face and immediately asked what had happened.
At first, the boy said he had fallen, but after being pressed for the truth, he revealed that his mother “hits me with her phone on the head and beats me daily.” He also said, “She sometimes scratches me with her nails,” and that he didn’t want to return home because he was scared of her.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
The woman who had been left with the child called the police. Shortly after, Gomez contacted the woman again, saying she was returning in an Uber to pick up her son. Officers were waiting when she arrived and immediately detained her.
Within 40 minutes, police went to Gomez’s residence and discovered that her two other children, ages 7 years and 3 months, had been left home alone for several hours.
Investigators later learned that the 7-year-old boy had contacted another woman using an iPad, telling her their mother had left and hadn’t returned. That woman went to the home and took both children to safety.
At the hospital, where the 9-year-old was treated for his injuries, officers documented visible signs of abuse, including:
- A black eye and swollen cheek
- Bruises on both cheeks
- Clotted blood above his eyebrow
- Scratches all over his body, including his head
The boy told police that while at home earlier that week, he fell, and his mother “began kicking him, causing a black eye.” He added that she continued hitting him in the head until he bled, claiming, “She hits me every day, and I don’t know why.”
The child also said he wanted his mother arrested for what she had done.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Miami-Dade County Jail records show that Gomez was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and charged with:
- 1 count of child abuse
- 3 counts of child neglect (no great bodily harm)
Police said Gomez was read her Miranda rights and denied all allegations. Despite her denial, authorities cited clear evidence of physical abuse and neglect based on the children’s statements and visible injuries.
The case has been turned over to Child Protective Services, which is conducting a separate investigation into the children’s living conditions and long-term safety.
Statements and Community Response
Neighbors and local residents expressed shock and anger upon learning of the incident. One nearby resident said the case highlights the ongoing issue of child neglect in the region and the need for better awareness and intervention programs.
Authorities have not released details about who will assume custody of the three children, but officials confirmed that they are now safe and receiving care.
“The boy’s courage in speaking up likely saved all three children from continued abuse,” one child protection worker said.
Background and Legal Context
Under Florida law, child abuse and neglect carry severe penalties, including potential prison time, loss of parental rights, and mandatory counseling programs. In cases involving multiple children, judges may also order permanent removal of custody if the abuse is found to be repetitive or intentional.
Legal experts note that Gomez’s case could result in felony convictions, especially given the pattern of physical violence and the abandonment of minors without supervision.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Gomez remains in custody as prosecutors prepare to file formal charges. A child protection hearing will determine whether she can regain any parental rights or face termination proceedings.
Meanwhile, the 9-year-old boy continues to recover from his injuries, both physical and emotional, while his siblings are under the care of child welfare services.
Conclusion
The disturbing case has reignited concerns about child safety and domestic abuse in Florida. Authorities praised the bravery of the 9-year-old victim and the quick actions of the women who intervened to help. As the case moves forward, prosecutors are determined to ensure accountability and lasting protection for the children involved.
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