Louisville, Kentucky – A Kentucky man is facing severe felony charges after police say he caused life-threatening injuries to his girlfriend’s young child during a diaper change, leaving the victim hospitalized in critical condition.
Officials allege the incident involved a level of force so extreme that medical professionals identified the toddler’s injuries as consistent with abusive head trauma. The case has prompted strong concern from investigators and child welfare authorities.
Incident Overview
Police arrested Jorge Jesus Perez-Ramirez, 29, on Wednesday in connection with a disturbing incident that reportedly took place on October 14. According to investigators, Perez-Ramirez had custody of his girlfriend’s child at the time of the alleged assault.
Authorities said the child was taken to an urgent care facility with serious injuries. Medical staff immediately recognized the severity and contacted emergency services. The victim was rushed to a children’s hospital for a full evaluation.
Doctors there determined the child’s condition was the result of abusive head trauma, a severe and often life-threatening injury most commonly associated with forceful shaking or violent handling of infants and toddlers.
The child was quickly classified as critical, prompting a deeper investigation.
Details From Police and Court Records
Investigators say Perez-Ramirez “manifested extreme indifference to the value of human life” by allegedly handling the child so harshly that it caused significant head trauma. The allegation centers on actions taken during a diaper change, where police state he “wantonly manipulated” the child with excessive force.
Court records note that the injuries were not accidental and were consistent with intentional or reckless physical abuse. Authorities have not released the child’s age, but the charges specify that the victim is under 12 years old.
Perez-Ramirez has been charged with:
- First-degree assault
- First-degree criminal abuse of a child age 12 or under
Both offenses are among the most serious non-homicide charges applied in child abuse cases.
Medical Assessment and Condition of the Child
Doctors concluded that the child’s injuries indicated pediatric abusive head trauma, a condition that can result in long-term disability, neurological damage, or death. The urgency of the diagnosis led medical professionals to notify law enforcement immediately.
The child’s condition has not been updated publicly, but at the time of the report the victim remained in critical condition.
Legal Status and Court Proceedings
Jail records show Perez-Ramirez has entered a not guilty plea. He is currently being held at the Louisville Metro Detention Center, where he is also subject to an immigration detainer.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 8, where prosecutors are expected to present early evidence to determine whether charges will move forward.
Under Kentucky law, the child abuse charge alone carries a potential sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Child Abuse in Kentucky: A Larger Issue
Kentucky has consistently reported high rates of child abuse cases compared to national averages. Pediatric abusive head trauma is one of the most dangerous forms, often linked to caregiver frustration, lack of support, or violent behavior during routine child care tasks such as feeding or diaper changing.
Experts note that abusive head trauma often results from brief moments of intense anger or loss of control. Public health officials urge caregivers to step away safely if overwhelmed—placing the baby in a crib and seeking help—rather than reacting violently.
Public Safety and Awareness
Authorities encourage residents to report suspected child abuse immediately. Warning signs may include:
- Unexplained bruising or injuries
- Sudden changes in behavior or consciousness
- Delays in seeking medical care
- Caregiver explanations that do not match the injury
Prompt reporting can save lives, especially in cases involving infants and toddlers who cannot communicate their injuries.
Conclusion
As Perez-Ramirez awaits his next court appearance, the case remains under active investigation. The community is watching closely as the child continues to fight for recovery and prosecutors prepare to present evidence.
If additional details become available regarding the child’s condition or upcoming legal proceedings, officials are expected to release updates.
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