Crime
Barstow Woman Arrested for Child Abuse and Attempted Murder of 3-Year-Old Stepdaughter
On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at approximately 10:53 a.m., the Barstow Police Department dispatch center received a report from Barstow Community Hospital regarding an unresponsive 3-year-old girl who had been brought in by her stepmother.
Hospital staff determined that the child was not breathing and had sustained severe injuries covering her entire body, including her head and face.
Medical personnel at Barstow Community Hospital successfully resuscitated the child and, due to the severity of her injuries, transferred her to Loma Linda University Medical Center for further treatment.
Upon arrival, hospital staff discovered that the child had suffered multiple strokes due to a significant brain bleed, which necessitated the removal of a portion of her skull.
A team of forensic pediatricians at Loma Linda assessed the child and concluded that she had both recent and older injuries consistent with long-term child abuse.
The Barstow Police Department’s Detective Division took over the investigation, with Detective Gemma Day leading the case.
The extensive investigation involved interviews with multiple witnesses, execution of search warrants, and consultations with forensic pediatricians from Loma Linda University Medical Center and the Children’s Assessment Center, as well as coordination with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.
Through the investigation, Detective Day determined that the child’s stepmother, identified as 32-year-old Enid Rodriguez Avila, was the sole individual responsible for the abuse. Based on the evidence gathered, an arrest warrant was issued for Avila.
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, Barstow Police Detectives located and arrested Avila in Victorville. She was subsequently booked into the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto, facing the following charges:
- PC 273a(b) – Child Abuse Causing Paralysis
- PC 206 – Child Torture
- PC 664/187(a) – Attempted Murder
Authorities urge anyone with information related to this case to contact Detective Gemma Day at 760-255-5132 or via email at gday@barstowca.org.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information through the WE-TIP hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27468) or by visiting www.wetip.com.
CHICAGO, IL (Cook County) — Chicago police and emergency crews responded to an officer-involved shooting following a chaotic pursuit involving a stolen ambulance from Loretto Hospital.
According to preliminary reports, officers were dispatched to the intersection of West Chicago Avenue and North Cicero Avenue after a suspect allegedly stole an ambulance from the hospital premises.
During the ensuing pursuit, the suspect reportedly struck multiple police officers with the vehicle, prompting officers to discharge their weapons.
The suspect was subsequently taken into custody at the scene.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have been requested for two injured officers, who were transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Their conditions have not yet been released.
Authorities have secured the area, and multiple law enforcement units remain on scene as the investigation continues.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has been notified and will review the incident in accordance with department policy.