Mother, Boyfriend Allegedly Fractured Both Of Baby’s Arms, Las Cruces Police Say

Las Cruces Police have arrested a mother and her boyfriend after the woman’s 20-month-old daughter was found to have compound fractures to both arms and other bruises police believed to be the result of child abuse, according to police officials.

Victoria Lynn Gutierrez, 20, and Juan M. Morales, 26, were arrested early Thursday morning and are being held at the Dona Ana County Detention Center. Gutierrez faces one count of negligent child abuse while Morales is charged with one count of intentional child abuse resulting in great bodily harm.

Police said Gutierrez’s 20-month-old daughter Nancy-Lynne Reyes was airlifted to University Medical Center of El Paso with open fractures to both arms, bruises on her chest and right temple, and abrasions to both legs, knees and to her forehead. Medical professionals told police they believe the girl’s injuries were a result of long-term child abuse.

Police were called to Gutierrez’s apartment on the 800 block of N. Mesquite St just before 11 p.m. Wednesday in regards to Morales and another man allegedly being involved in a fight. By the time police arrived the fight was over but officers were told that one of the men present had become mad when told of Morales’ alleged involvement in child abuse.

Officers entered Gutierrez’s apartment and found the child lying on a bed with multiple bruises and a swollen arm that was disfigured, according to police.

Among Gutierrez’s tattoos is one of her daughter’s name on her left ankle.

Bond for Morales was set at $50,000 cash while Gutierrez is being held on $10,000 bond.