DAVENPORT, Florida – A 36-year-old mother, Patricia Saintizaire, is facing charges related to the tragic murder of her 4-year-old son, who investigators say was subjected to severe abuse, according to officials from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities were alerted to the situation on May 2 by officials from Orlando Health hospital after the young boy died under suspicious circumstances.
Upon further examination, it was discovered that the child had sustained a deep laceration to his liver, indicating a targeted blunt force trauma injury. In addition to this fatal injury, the boy also had visible scars and bruises on his arms and legs consistent with a pattern of abuse.
The boy’s teenage brother reported that the victim was experiencing difficulty walking and sitting up, prompting Saintizaire to dismiss his concerns and instruct him to feed the child. When the situation became dire and the victim was unresponsive, the older brother took action by administering CPR and urging Saintizaire to seek medical help.
Alarming details emerged as investigators delved into the family’s background. It was revealed that Saintizaire had adopted the young boy from Haiti in 2023, stating to detectives that she never resorted to physical discipline as a form of punishment. However, surveillance footage from her home painted a starkly different picture, capturing instances of her physically assaulting the child and even throwing him into a pool with his hands bound behind his back.
In light of the evidence gathered, Saintizaire now faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and tampering with a witness. The tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society and ensuring that justice is served in instances of child abuse.