Attack on woman holding 5-month-old leaves child with skull fracture, FL cops say

A 5-month-old cradled in a woman’s arms suffered serious head injuries when both were subjected to a barrage of punches, according to investigators in Florida.

The attack was revealed when the child arrived at a hospital just before 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, near Fort Pierce, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

“The infant was found to have sustained a fractured skull, along with additional injuries, including bruising to the arm and leg,” the sheriff’s office said.

“It was determined that the injuries occurred during a domestic altercation. ... The victim was able to break free, retrieve the infant, and attempted to retreat to a bedroom to protect herself and the child. As she tried to close the door, (a suspect) began throwing punches, several of which struck the five-month-old infant.”

Details of the child’s condition were not released.

The suspect has been identified as 38-year-old Georgeina Hayes and the dispute started when she’s accused of trying to strangle another woman, officials said.

Hayes was arrested and has been charged with battery by strangulation and aggravated child abuse, the sheriff’s office said. She is being held without bond.

Fort Pierce is about a 135-mile drive north from Miami.

This story was originally published October 17, 2025 at 7:29 AM with the headline "Attack on woman holding 5-month-old leaves child with skull fracture, FL cops say."