Athena Angeles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rosa Diaz-Mendez covered up for her boyfriend instead of protecting her daughter in October when a visit was made the home where it was noted that Athena had two black eyes and her face was so swollen that she could not open them. Rosa told doctors that she was watching the children play in their room and that Athena had tripped over a toy and hit her nose on the bed railing, Rosa said that Athena got right up and continued to play and she was not crying at all. Fredy would later admit that while Rosa was at work one day, he was alone with the children and the report states: During dinner, Athena refused to eat. Fredy stated that he lost his patience with Athena and brought her into her bedroom. He then punched Athena in the forehead at the bridge of her nose with his knuckles and left her in the bedroom.

 

Despite frequent interactions with doctors, school officials and advocates from the Department of Children and Families, abuse was hidden for months before a final beating took three year old Athena’s life. Athena Angeles suffered internal and external injuries to her abdomen, lacerations to her liver, fractured ribs and numerous contusions. On November 23 Athena died at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. An autopsy showed that Athena died of blunt abdominal and chest trauma.

 

Chingo was arrested the day after Athena died and admitted he beat her on multiple occasions, and he admitted punching her in the stomach when he lost his patience. On another occasion, Athena was not eating. Out of frustration, Chingo Riz admitted punching her in the stomach “causing her to fall backwards, striking the back of her head against the edge of the bathroom sink,” cleaned the wound and put her to bed. On Nov. 23, the night of Athena’s death, Athena was not eating and Chingo Riz punched her in the stomach and then later, when she pretended to eat, “this again bothered him.” Chingo Riz stated he grabbed Athena by the arm again, lifted her up and punched her with his right fist in the ribcage area.”  Chingo Riz. Police charged Diaz-Mendez with first degree manslaughter, two counts of risk of injury to a minor, interfering with police and making a false statement.

 Rosa G. Diaz-Mendez was also arrested and charged with manslaughter.