Heber City babysitter charged with aggravated child abuse after infant suffers severe injuries

Photo: Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office

Elioreth Jimenez-Marin faces second-degree felony charges for injuries sustained by an 11-month-old child in her care

HEBER CITY, Utah — Heber City resident Elioreth Jimenez-Marin has been charged with aggravated child abuse, a second-degree felony, after an 11-month-old child in her care suffered severe head trauma. The incident occurred on September 27, 2024, and led to the child requiring emergency surgery at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.

According to court documents, the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office received a report from the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) on the day of the incident, detailing that the child was unresponsive and had sustained significant head injuries. Officer Ray Baeza, who responded to the report, stated in an affidavit that the child had undergone surgery to address brain bleeding and skull injuries. Medical professionals determined that the trauma was consistent with non-accidental injury, often referred to as “shaken baby syndrome.”

In an interview with authorities, Jimenez-Marin explained that she was caring for multiple children at her home when the child was injured. “I saw the 11-month-old child laying at the bottom of the stairs… he was not responsive,” she told Officer Baeza during questioning. She admitted to shaking the child in an attempt to revive him, which she initially did not disclose due to fear of legal repercussions. “I knew I had to tell the truth because it was going to come out sooner or later,” Jimenez-Marin stated during the interview.

Prosecutors allege that Jimenez-Marin, who had the child in her care, failed to prevent the injuries or intentionally caused harm. The case is being handled in the Fourth District Court of Utah, with Judge Jennifer A. Mabey presiding. The prosecution has shared discovery materials, including incident reports and medical records, with the defense as part of pre-trial proceedings. Due to the severity of the charges, Jimenez-Marin faces significant prison time if convicted.

Jimenez-Marin is being held on bail as she awaits further court dates. Today, Oct. 9, a waiver meeting was held to determine whether the preliminary hearing will be waived. If waived, the case could be brought to trial more rapidly.

Further updates will be provided as they become available.