Honk News (Miami Shores, FL) – A Florida woman faces serious allegations of subjecting her son and a 65-year-old man, who offered them shelter, to horrific treatment. Reports indicate that she forced her child to remain in a squatted position for extended periods and assaulted the man with various objects, including a knife and a sharpening tool at one point, according to law enforcement officials.
“She is f—ing strong,,” the man reportedly said to investigators when asked about the abuse, as per Miami ABC affiliate WPLG.
Jasmine Jean-Baptiste, 31, faces serious allegations of violently assaulting a man in his sixties, resulting in him losing vision in one eye, according to police reports. According to the Miami Shores Police Department, she reportedly “exploit(ed) his compassion and concern for her children,”, while subjecting her son to torment in secret.
“A witness reported observing a significant and consistent pattern of abuse, including multiple instances of battery on various occasions,” the police report states, per WPLG. “The victim further provided photographs from various incidents, which depicted bruising, contusions and facial lacerations consistent with his account of abuse.”
Authorities report that Jean-Baptiste permitted a man, identified as the stepfather of her 13-year-old son, to mistreat the boy for an extended period, ultimately leading to the two of them residing in a vehicle on the streets. For nearly a decade, the 65-year-old victim welcomed her into his home when her son was merely a toddler, sheltering her until her recent arrest.
Authorities report that Jean-Baptiste subjected her son to similar abusive behaviors as his stepfather, including making him perform squats for extended periods when he struggled academically and denying him water during these punitive sessions.
An alarming event at the boy’s school has prompted an investigation by the Florida Department of Children and Families. This follows a coach overhearing a concerning remark, “I am going to kill him,” made by a student after an undisclosed incident. A 65-year-old man expressed to authorities that he felt “scared” of Jean-Baptiste and was unable to protect himself.
“She will jump on me,” he reportedly told investigators, reflecting on an incident where Jean-Baptiste “sucker-punched” him, resulting in him losing sight in one eye, as well as another event that caused her to knock out one of his teeth, according to law enforcement.
“I can’t hit her,” the man said. “You know, a male would be blamed for hitting a female.”
According to reports, Jean-Baptiste’s son informed officials that she had a history of physically assaulting him, using both her hands and belt buckles, and had reportedly caused a scar during one incident.
“I’d rather you worry about the kids,” the 65-year-old told cops while being questioned.
Jean-Baptiste is currently dealing with serious allegations related to severe child abuse resulting in significant physical injury, as well as mistreatment of an elderly or disabled individual. She remains in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without the option for bond.