Suspect In Child Abuse Case Assaulted By Baby’s Mother

By Ken Molestina

ARTESIA, NM– A father accused of leaving his infant daughter in a closet while he went out for alcohol becomes the victim of an attack.

Robert Flores was charged with negligent child abuse resulting in the death of his infant daughter, Kalynne.

Investigators allege that he left his daughter in a laundry basket in a closet in his home, while his wife was at work, while he went for beer. Kalynne was not breathing when he returned, according to investigators and she was later pronounced dead.

Flores was released on bond while he awaits trial. Earlier this month, the baby’s mother, Desiree Cortez spotted him outside an athletic club in Artesia, playing racquetball. It is then, police said, that Cortez attacked Flores, hitting him repeatedly.

A police report filed said that Cortez admitted to them what she had done, saying she “lost control of her emotions, and began to hit Flores.”

According to investigators, Cortez told police that she photographed Flores outside the club to show that he had violated the terms of his bond release. Flores’ attorney told ABC 7 that Cortez is wrong and that the terms of his release are that he is to live with in parents inArtesia, and they are responsible for him.

No charges have yet been filed against Cortez.