Recently, a 20-month-old child from Moorhead passed away in Sanford Medical Center; per the autopsy, he died due to blunt force trauma. The autopsy reported a ruptured bowel, bleeding from the liver and pancreas, multiple rib fractures, and numerous bruises on his face, trunk, and extremities. His death was ruled a homicide.
His mother, Valerie Zamora, has been charged for the alleged murder. It’s reported that she knew her son needed medical attention before he died; the complaint stated that the child was vomiting a dark substance the day before. Ms. Zamora did not immediately take him to the ER, instead choosing to buy Pedialyte for the child at Walmart. It’s unclear if the family has a history with Child Protection Services (CPS); however, Ms. Zamora said to police that “she didn’t take him to a doctor because it was “obviously neglect” and she was afraid social services would take her children away.”
At Safe Passage for Children, we know stories like this all too well. In our most recent report, published in January 2024, we reported that biological mothers are the most likely perpetrator of child maltreatment deaths, with 52.4%. We reported that 1-3 year olds accounted for 33.3% of all deaths. We also reported that 19% of deaths were due to blunt force trauma.
We must do more to protect children; they are counting on us.