Massachusetts

Woman Accused of Beating, Shaking 3-Week-Old Son

A 25-year-old Saugus, Massachusetts woman was ordered held without bail after she allegedly beat her 3-week-old baby and shook him to the point where his brain was "essentially liquified."

The Salem News reports Jessica Donachie is accused of striking her young son, giving him a skull fracture, breaking his ribs, slamming him down and shoving a baby bottle into his mouth so roughly that the flesh between is upper lip and gums tore. 

The boy’s injuries were discovered soon after his mother reportedly texted a friend that she hated motherhood, according to prosecutors. Officials say the boy was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital on Oct. 24 and has been hospitalized ever since.

She pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, assault with intent to murder, and assault and battery on a child causing serious bodily injury during her arraignment last week and is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 31.

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