HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A woman is facing a long list of charges in connection with serious injuries to a 10-month-old she was babysitting, according to arrest papers.
Channel 11's Joe Holden reported that police got involved in June when 10-month-old Scylla Connor was flown to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh due to bleeding and bruising on her brain.
Connor also had a very serious mouth injury, as if a bottle had been “shoved in the baby’s mouth,” according to investigators.
Doctors said the child’s injuries were consistent with shaken baby syndrome.
"I feel that if I didn't let them watch her, then she wouldn't have any of this wrong with her today," said the baby’s mother, April Connor.
April Connor said since the incident, her daughter has recovered from the severe injuries that almost killed her.
"(The doctors told me that) I need to prepare myself that Scylla might not make it,” she said.
After the suspect, Jessica Leann Nichols, was questioned by police, a relative told troopers that Nichols was seen pushing the baby’s face into a pillow, according to arrest papers.
“I've known the girl forever. I didn't think anything like this would ever happen, but that goes to show, you can't trust anyone,” said April Connor.
Nichols is accused of aggravated assault, in addition to numerous other charges.
Arrest papers showed that Nichols offered various and conflicting accounts of how the baby was hurt, initially blaming her own 1-year-old child.
“Medical records don't lie. I've been saying that since day one. I can't wait for all this to get proven and over with. It's disgusting,” said April Connor.