A 42-year-old mother in Michigan has been taken into custody for reportedly biting her daughter on the neck, strangling her, and then throwing her down a flight of stairs headfirst.
Earlier this month, Jennifer Lynn Vargas was arrested and faces charges of assault with intent to murder and first-degree child abuse, according to court records examined by Law&Crime. The maximum penalty for both charges is life imprisonment.
A report from MLive states that the incident occurred shortly before midnight on November 8, 2024, at Vargas’ residence in Blair Township. Blair Township lies approximately 160 miles to the northwest of Lansing.
According to the report, officers from the Michigan State Police arrived at the residence and interacted with Vargas and the victim, who were located outside in the driveway. The two individuals were subsequently interviewed separately by investigators.
The police have confirmed that the victim is the daughter of Vargas, but her name and age remain undisclosed. The victim allegedly informed authorities that Vargas assaulted her, striking her multiple times, choking her, and subsequently throwing her down a staircase.
Officials have indicated that the victim displayed at least one noticeable bite mark and a cut on her hand, which she attributed to a struggle with Vargas over a knife.
The victim, aside from her apparent injuries, also mentioned that she lost consciousness several times as a result of being strangled by Vargas.
The victim was taken to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City for treatment, and Vargas was arrested.
New details have emerged from court documents acquired by Traverse City NBC affiliate WPBN regarding the alleged attack.
The victim allegedly informed authorities that Vargas attacked her physically for more than an hour. According to court documents, the victim reported that Vargas choked her, forcefully struck her head against the floor, and ultimately threw her down the stairs headfirst.
The victim allegedly stated that she feigned unconsciousness after being pushed down the stairs. After Vargas turned away, the victim allegedly stated that she hurried to a nearby bedroom and secured the door.
The victim tried to flee the house by climbing out a window, but Vargas reportedly forced his way through the locked door, restrained her on the bed, and choked her once more. During the act of strangulation, Vargas reportedly informed the victim that “she was going to be sacrificed.”
Vargas is now in custody at the Grand Traverse County Jail with a bond set at $250,000. A judge mandated that she must not contact the victim and maintain a distance of at least 500 yards from her.
Vargas will be in court for a preliminary hearing at 11 a.m. on Dec. 2.