Las Cruces couple arrested for allegedly neglecting 2-year-old daughter

A Las Cruces couple has been arrested on child-abuse charges after Doa Ana County Sheriff’s deputies determined their 2-year-old daughter was living without heat, food, or adequate clothing.

Sheriff’s deputies went to the couple’s home to respond to a domestic violence call.

Just before noon Thursday, deputies were sent to the 4800 block of South Main Street, where 32-year-old Rina Hernandez alleged she had been battered during an argument by her live-in boyfriend, Michael Sullivan, 44.

The couple’s 2-year-old daughter was found during a subsequent search of the home.

A deputy noted the house did not have heat or running water, and the power had been shut off.

Sheriff’s officials say the outside average temperature at the time was 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sheriff’s officials say that Hernandez told deputies her daughter had only eaten some beans and half a piece of bread in the last 17 hours.

The toddler was turned over to the custody of Children, Youth and Families. When she was taken into custody, Hernandez located a coat for her daughter, but could not provide any shoes for the girl, according to sheriff’s officials.

Hernandez and Sullivan were both arrested and charged with abuse of a child. They are being held without bond at the Doa Ana County Detention Center.