Authorities Say the Child Had Visible Injuries and Was Asking Strangers for Food
The parents of a young girl found wandering alone and hungry on a West Hollywood street last week are now facing felony child abuse charges, as reported by NBC LA News.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies said the 5-year-old was spotted around 11 a.m. Thursday, walking by herself and asking strangers for food. Investigators reported visible marks on her neck.
Her father, Cody Jefferies, 33, was arrested later that day at the family’s home on suspicion of felony child abuse and neglect. The girl’s mother, April Cordova, 30, was taken into custody Saturday after neighbors reported seeing her return to the residence, sheriff’s officials said.
Both parents were formally charged Tuesday with felony child abuse and corporal injury to a child.
The child was placed in protective custody following the incident.
