Two caregivers in Goodyear were arrested on Tuesday after school employees raised concerns about a child who appeared injured and malnourished, according to Goodyear police.
Officers took Kebrina Hussain, 30, and Ezekiel Hussain, 29, into custody in connection with the alleged abuse of two children, ages 8 and 7. Both were booked into jail on child abuse charges, and bond was set at $25,000 for each of them.
Detectives said the investigation began on Aug. 3, when school workers noticed that one child had lost a troubling amount of weight and had bruising and a lip injury.
Medical examinations later documented malnutrition, extreme thinness, significant weight loss, bruising and injuries to the bottom of the child's foot, police said. Doctors found no medical explanation for the weight loss. According to investigators, the child gained weight once given adequate meals.
In a forensic interview, the child described being denied regular meals, being punched and slapped, and being repeatedly hurt on the bottom of the foot with a metal object, investigators said.
As the case developed, detectives searched the home and reviewed earlier law enforcement contacts involving child welfare concerns. They also interviewed witnesses and coordinated forensic interviews and medical evaluations.
Investigators said they later learned that both caregivers allegedly abused a second child in their care as well.
Goodyear Police Sgt. Mayra Reeson said in an email that the case shows why it matters to report worries about a child's safety. "School personnel's decision to speak up brought these concerns to law enforcement's attention and initiated an extensive investigation," Reeson said.
