In San Antonio, Texas, Aaron Espinoza, 19, has been charged with injury to a child with intent to cause serious bodily injury after his 4-week-old infant was hospitalized, according to court documents. The report says hospital staff identified injuries that included a spiral fracture of the left arm, fractures of two ribs, a left tibia fracture, and bruising to the upper arm. Police were called to CHRISTUS Children’s Hospital on August 23 after the injuries were identified. According to investigators, the reported injuries occurred at a San Antonio residence. The source reports that child abuse pediatric specialists determined the injuries were non-accidental. The charge remains an allegation, not a finding of guilt. Authorities and the court process will determine what occurred and whether the evidence supports the allegation. What Makes This Incident Different Reports involving injuries to a very young child require particular care because infants cannot describe what happened or explain the onset of pain. In this matter, the reported injuries involved more than one area of the child’s body and were identified after the child reached a hospital. That makes medical evaluation and the timing of observations especially important. The report also describes statements attributed to Espinoza during the investigation, including an initial explanation concerning the child’s arm and a later statement to a Texas Department of Family and Protective Services investigator. Those statements are reported allegations and must be evaluated alongside the medical and other evidence. They do not by themselves establish civil or criminal responsibility. For a family confronting serious injuries to an infant, the immediate concerns may extend beyond the criminal case. Medical needs, future treatment, safe caregiving arrangements, and protecting a child’s legal interests can all require careful attention. Questions Investigators May Examine Investigators may examine when caregivers first noticed symptoms, when the child was brought for medical care, and what information was provided to hospital personnel. Medical professionals and investigators may also consider whether the medical findings are consistent with the accounts provided. Other conditional questions may include: - Whether medical imaging and clinical examinations help clarify the nature and timing of each reported injury. - Whether statements from people who cared for or interacted with the child may help establish a timeline. - Whether communications, observations, or other available information may clarify the circumstances before the hospital visit. - Whether the reported explanations can be assessed in light of the medical evidence. - Whether any agency or law-enforcement records may document the investigative steps taken after hospital staff raised concerns. The evidence, rather than speculation, will determine what conclusions can properly be drawn. A criminal accusation is subject to the protections and procedures of the court system. Evidence That May Need to Be Preserved When a child has been treated for significant injuries, preserving information promptly can help protect the child’s interests and allow qualified professionals to assess the circumstances. Depending on the situation, potentially important materials may include: - Hospital charts, clinical notes, discharge materials, and records of follow-up care. - Imaging studies, radiology reports, and photographs taken as part of medical assessment. - Records documenting when symptoms were first observed and when care was sought. - Communications between caregivers or other individuals with information about the child’s condition. - Law-enforcement reports, interview records, and available agency records. - Names and contact information for people who may have observed the child before or after the reported injuries were discovered. - Receipts, invoices, insurance explanations of benefits, and other documentation of medical costs and services. Families should avoid altering original records or relying solely on memory. A lawyer can help request and organize appropriate information while respecting privacy rules and any ongoing investigation. What Families Should Know Texas criminal proceedings and a potential civil claim are separate matters. Prosecutors decide whether and how to pursue criminal charges, while a civil case may focus on legal accountability and the financial effects of a child’s injuries. One process does not automatically control the other. A child’s legal interests deserve special protection. Because a young child cannot make legal decisions, a parent, guardian, or other authorized representative may need advice about who can act on the child’s behalf. When a potential conflict exists, families may need additional guidance to ensure the child’s interests are independently protected. The medical impact of fractures and other injuries may not be known immediately. Keeping records of appointments, recommendations, symptoms, expenses, and changes in the child’s needs can be useful. Families should also seek legal advice without unnecessary delay, because deadlines and procedural requirements can affect civil rights in Texas. How Dunk Law Can Help Dunk Law can speak with families dealing with serious injury allegations involving a child in San Antonio or elsewhere in Texas. Our team can help evaluate whether a civil investigation is appropriate, preserve relevant medical and documentary evidence, communicate with insurers when applicable, and explain the distinct roles of criminal and civil proceedings. We approach these matters with discretion and care. A consultation can help a family understand possible next steps while keeping the child’s welfare and legal interests at the center of the discussion. Related Dunk Law Resources - All practice areas This post is based on publicly available news reports and is provided for general information only. It is not legal advice.