BEAUMONT, CALIFORNIA: A shocking case involving the death of a toddler has led to the arrest and subsequent murder charges against Heather Lyn Greenman, a 37-year-old California woman. The incident occurred earlier this year, and police have also revealed that Greenman may have harmed at least one other child.
She was arrested on June 29 and faces charges of first-degree murder, child abuse, and child abuse resulting in death, according to jail records. The investigation began after the Riverside County Coroner's Office raised concerns about the suspicious death of a 15-month-old child who had suffered a fatal injury while in Greenman's care.
Who is Heather Greenman?
The incident took place on April 26 at Greenman's residence on Barolo Way in Beaumont, as reported by the Beaumont Police Department. During a 911 call, Greenman claimed that the child who has not been named publically, “had fallen down while running.” The toddler was rushed to the hospital with swelling in the head and brain bleeding, but tragically, the injuries proved fatal.
As authorities delved deeper into the case, they discovered another potential victim, a 2-year-old child who allegedly sustained "several serious injuries" while under Greenman's care. However, this incident was not reported at the time, and the child did not require hospitalization. “That child was also taken care of at the family’s home in the City of Beaumont, but was not hospitalized at the time,” the police statement said of the potential second victim. The police are now urging the public to come forward with any information regarding additional victims.
Heather Greenman pleads not guilty
“We are looking for anyone who may have utilized her as a babysitter and maybe their child had some unexplained injuries and they didn’t think too much of it until her arrest,” said Beaumont Police spokesperson Marcedes Cashmer. Greenman pleaded not guilty to all three charges during a court appearance, as reported by KABC. She is scheduled to appear in front of Riverside County Superior Court Judge Joshlyn Pulliam on August 17. Due to concerns about her potential flight risk, Greenman's bail was increased to $1 million.
