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HOLLADAY — A Holladay woman appeared in court Monday to answer charges that she abused her 4-month-old daughter by breaking several of the baby's bones while putting her clothes on.
Virginia Heiner, 32, is charged with five counts of child abuse, a third-degree felony.
A doctor examining the child discovered "multiple broken bones, two in the left arm and one in the right arm, and one in each leg," according to charges filed in 3rd District Court.
The doctor concluded that the injuries "cannot plausibly be explained by accidental injury, and should be considered consistent with inflicted trauma," the charging documents state.
Police and prosecutors believe the abuse had been happening from the girl's birth on Oct. 25 to March 3, 2015.
Heiner allegedly told investigators that her daughter cried a lot and "gets stiff" when she tried to dress her. She said she "forces" the baby's arms and legs into the clothes, and "on more than one occasion she has heard popping sounds while dressing" her, according to the charges.
The mother said if her daughter did have broken bones, it was an accident.
Her next court date is scheduled for Aug. 3.
- The Division of Child and Family Services offers counseling, teaches parenting skills and conflict resolution and can connect the family with community resources. Their goal is to keep children with their family when it is "possible and safe," according to their website. Visitdcfs.utah.gov/questions/or call 801-538-4100.
- The Christmas Box House acts as a temporary shelter for children and can provide them with new clothing and shoes, among other services. Call the Salt Lake office at 801-747-2201 or the Ogden office at 801-866-0350.
