Baby's death raises questions about child abuse
The death of five-month-old Brianna Lopez in Las Cruces has raised many questions about child abuse in general.
Thursday, July 25, 2002 -- It can be easy to look the other way when we see bad parenting, but his week, we have a stark reminder of why we should step in.
5243 Comanche is the scene of the unspeakable, where Steven and Stephanie Lopez, along with Andy Walters allegedly abused five-month-old Brianna until she died.
The Sheriff's department says the trailer was filthy, its four rooms crowded by nine people.
But Ed Schissel with the State Children, Youth and Families department sas living conditions are not always indicators of child abuse.
Despite the young ages of the parents, Schissel says abusive parents share a different trait - alcohol and drug abuse.
If neighbors know of abuse, the state as a clear message.