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SALT LAKE COUNTY -- A West Valley City woman pleaded guilty to charges she severely beat her 7-year-old daughter.
Emperatriz Meza-Reyna was initially charged with attempted murder in connection with the July 22 attack on the girl.
Meza-Reyna brought her daughter to Pioneer Valley hospital, saying she had fallen down the stairs. The girl went into cardiac arrest and was flown to Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake where she underwent brain surgery.
Doctors said the girl was either hit or slammed into something. They said she also had evidence of past abuse, including bite marks, bruises and a broken clavicle in the midst of healing.
As part of a plea deal, prosecutors reduced the charges against Meza-Reyna to child abuse.
Doctors said the beating left the child with severe brain injuries. She is now in the custody of the state.
Meza-Reyna will be sentenced next month.
