PHOENIX — A mother allegedly hit her 4-year-old daughter so many times with a belt, the bruises left behind were "too numerous to count," according to court documents.
Phoenix police report that on Wednesday, May 22, they arrested 20-year-old Sycora Thompson at her home near 19th Avenue and Camelback Road.
Thompson's 4-year-old daughter was going to a new daycare center when a teacher allegedly noticed a mark on the child's left arm. When she questioned the girl about the mark, she responded, "mom."
Other daycare staffers examined the child and reportedly found "numerous marks on her arms, chest, legs, and back." They then contacted the police and the Department of Child Safety.
The child reportedly told police that "Mommy whooped me with a belt."
The Doctors who examined the girl told the police, "The child had bruises too numerous to count on all body surface areas."
While Thompson admitted to spanking the child, she denied causing the injuries, police say.
Thompson was arrested for child abuse. Her next court date is May 30.
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.
