War Zone Couple Claim Worst Parents Award, Infant in Critical Condition

Albuquerque –

Albuquerque Police Department detectives arrested the parents of a 3-month-old infant after paramedics rushed the baby to the hospital on Monday with life-threatening injuries and apparent narcotics exposure.

Detectives with APD’s Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU) originally arrested the father, Johnathan Castillo, 23, on an outstanding warrant. They then charged him with child abuse resulting in great bodily harm, child abuse, tampering with evidence, and aggravated battery on a household member.

The infant’s mother, Jessica Brusuelas, 26, told detectives that Castillo, her boyfriend and the baby’s father, frequently used fentanyl and meth. She said she saw Castillo remove the baby’s diaper on Sunday, hold her by the legs, and spank her on her bare buttocks. He then struck her mouth and face with an open hand and hit her head with a closed fist.

Brusuelas said during the overnight hours, Castillo became annoyed with the noises the baby made while he attempted to feed her. She said he struck the baby several times until she calmed down and went to sleep.

Brusuelas called 911 shortly before 3:00 PM, reporting that her baby was choking. Albuquerque Fire Rescue responded to the family’s apartment at 1101 Madeira Dr. SE. When rescue personnel arrived, Castillo stood at the front door, handed them the infant, and immediately shut the door, preventing them from performing any life-saving measures inside. Paramedics determined the baby’s airway was clear but showed signs of narcotics exposure. They transported the child to the hospital for emergency care.

When Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) personnel arrived at the family’s apartment, Castillo waited for them at the front door. He handed them the baby and then shut the door, preventing them from performing life-saving measures. Paramedics determined that the child’s airway was clear, but she appeared to have been exposed to narcotics. They rushed the baby to the hospital.

Doctors later told officers that the baby had several skull fractures, a subdural hemorrhage, and an extracranial hemorrhage. Physicians also observed signs of physical trauma from different periods.

Brusuelas also told detectives that Castillo had whipped their 4-year-old child with a belt when he was high on drugs. Child Youth and Family Department (CYFD) took the 4-year-old into custody.

Police arrested Brusuelas late Monday and charged her with reckless child abuse resulting in great bodily harm and failure to report child abuse.