JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It's a tragedy no one saw coming. An act so violent, it's hard to comprehend.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, 13-month-old Bella was found unresponsive and brain dead. She had a broken neck, broken ribs and bleeding in her brain.
Police say they now know who's responsible for the horrible crime at Southside Mobile Home Park. Jabier Maldonado sits in jail on a $250,000 bond for allegedly beating baby Bella so bad she was unrecognizable.
The last person seen with her was Maldonado.
"I hope justice gets served and he gets what he gets from the justice system and God himself," said a neighbor.
This neighbor didn't want to go on camera or reveal her name, but knows Bella's mom Jamie and her boyfriend Jabier Maldonado. She says he has a history of violence and this may have been triggered by a break-up.
"She told him the day before that she wanted to leave him and she didn't want to be with him no more," said a neighbor.
The Department of Children and Families says it’s investigating.
"Too many of the cases that we get, involve perpetrators who are partners of the parents, boyfriends of the mothers," said John Harrell with DCF.
Neighbors said Jamie planned on donating Bella's organs and taking her off life support Monday. In support, they've set up a GoFund Me page to help with medical expenses.
"It's a very, very sad ending that this precious child doesn't get to live her life to the fullest," said Harrell.
Maldonado was charged with aggravated child abuse causing great bodily harm. If Bella dies, it will most likely be upgraded to murder.
WJAX
