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Sarasota couple charged after newborn suffers severe head injury

Couple charged after baby found with head injury
Posted at 10:50 AM, Jul 24, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-24 14:50:57-04

SARASOTA, Fla. — A couple in Sarasota have been charged with child neglect after their 3-week old daughter was found suffering from a skull fracture and a brain bleed.    

Officials say 18-year-old Paige Lubaski took her daughter to Sarasota Memorial Hospital on July 14 because she was sick. Hospital staff found unexplained head injuries on the baby and called Sarasota Police and the Department of Children and Families. 

During their investigation, officials say Lubaski told them multiple stories about how her daughter sustained the injuries — none of which she mentioned to staff at the hospital. 

Officials say she told them her daughter fell out of her car carrier and hit her head. She also said her daughter hit her head on a dresser. 

DCF conducted an exam and found no foul play. 

On July 18, during a follow-up visit, the baby's pediatrician found swelling and fluid on the baby's head. A scan revealed the baby had a skull fracture with a small brain bleed. 

The baby was transferred to All Children's Hospital because of the seriousness of her injury. 

On July 20, a Child Protection Team at the hospital determined that the injuries were caused by blunt force trauma and could be several days old. 

Lubaski was arrested and charged with neglect of a child with great bodily harm. The baby's father, 23-year-old Edgar Estrada, was charged with neglect of a child with great bodily harm (principle) for knowing about the injuries and not calling the police.