PHOENIX — A 7-month-old girl was allegedly shaken by her father and sustained 15 fractures to her arms and legs.
On October 24, Phoenix police reported that a 7-month-old girl was brought to Phoenix Children's hospital by her parents.
A medical exam showed "multiple fractures to lower and upper extremities" that were determined to be from "non-accidental trauma," according to court records.
When questioned, police said the girl's father, Joshua Richard Cates, 29, admitted to being frustrated with the baby's crying and shook her, causing the injuries.
Phoenix Children's hospital staff said that the girl had a total of 15 fractures.
Cates was arrested on November 13 and charged with two counts of child abuse.
If you suspect a child is being abused, the Arizona Department of Child Services has resources available to report the issue to a social worker. You can call the Arizona Child Abuse Hotline at 1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445), and will be asked for information about the child, as well as the nature of your concerns. You can also get more information from DCS about reporting abuse or neglect online.
