Heber City babysitter charged with aggravated child abuse after baby seriously injured

Photo: Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office

Elioreth Jimenez-Marin faces a second-degree felony charge 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 molestation, 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 resulted in the child needing 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 describing the child as unresponsive and suffering significant head injuries. Officer Ray Baeza, who responded to the report, stated in an affidavit that the child had undergone surgery to address brain hemorrhages and skull injuries. Medical professionals determined that the trauma was consistent with a non-accidental injury, often called “shaken baby syndrome.”

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

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

Jimenez-Marin is being held on bond pending further court hearings. A waiver meeting was held today, October 9, to determine whether to waive the preliminary hearing. If this is waived, the case can be brought to trial more quickly.

Further updates will be provided as they become available.

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