Prosecutors say 23-year-old Juan Gomez was frustrated that his daughter Hailey wouldn't stop crying.
Through the doors of the modest, non-descript Ozone Park apartment, and up the stairs to the second floor, the Queens District Attorney says a 13-week-old infant suffered the kind of brutal bites and heavy handed blows that would be hard for any adult to withstand.
"The facts of this case are incomprehensible. It really boggles the mind," said Hon. Richard Brown, the Queens District Attorney.
Brown says while Juan Gomez watched his daughter during the day, he bit on her right leg, head butted her, and forcefully bent her legs and ankles.
He was able to hide the injuries from her mother who was at work, because he was only one to give the child a bath every night.
"Apparently she took the child to the hosptial claiming the child was experiencing breathing difficulties. And, once the doctors saw the extent of the injuries, immediately notified the authorities," said Brown.
Hailey has 17 fractured ribs, a lacerated liver, foot, ankle, and leg fractures, and even bite marks.
"Cute baby? Oh very cute. She's very cute yeah," said Fabio Martinez, the son of a neighbor.
The mother and daughter were not at their home Saturday, at the place where the alleged abuse happened.
"I know the mom since she was a child. I've known her a very long time," said Abdul Aldalai, a deli owner.
Neighbors say they are stunned.
"They always come everyday. That's their first baby. I don't expect they would do anything like that to the baby. They were so happy to have the baby," said Aldalai.
23-year-old Juan Gomez is still awaiting arraignment.
Prosecutors are asking for a $250,000 bond.
He faces charges of first and second degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
