Barcelona, March 27 – The judicial investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the severe abuse of a six-week-old baby, who arrived at Barcelona’s Vall d’Hebron Hospital last Wednesday, is now exploring all possible avenues. The probe has expanded beyond the parents, aged 43 and 42, who have been in provisional prison since last Friday, accused of habitual ill-treatment, very serious injuries, and sexual assault.
Investigation Does Not Rule Out Parental Guilt
The decision to explore all investigative leads does not, however, preclude the accusations against the parents. In their statements, both parents – the mother a nurse at the same hospital where the child is now admitted, and the father a factory employee – claimed ignorance regarding the events of which they are accused.
They were arrested last Wednesday after the child was treated at Vall d’Hebron Hospital, a reference center for pediatric care. The baby had been transferred from Sant Pau Hospital after the activation of a child abuse protocol. The Minister of Health, Olga Pané, stated this Thursday that the baby, still in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), is progressing favorably, although this situation does not rule out the possibility of physical and neurological sequelae for the rest of his life. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has requested a large volume of documentation for its investigation, according to sources familiar with the proceedings, so its report is expected to take some time.
Patria Potestad Assumed by Child Protection Agency
The General Directorate for the Prevention and Protection of Children and Adolescents (DGPPIA, formerly DGAIA) has assumed parental authority over the child and has restricted access to the ICU for all family members. However, it is preparing an Extended Family Report to assess whether any family member could assume guardianship. If this report is negative, a foster family will be sought to care for the child. The number 1 court of the Section for Violence against Children and Adolescents of the Barcelona Court of Instance decided to withdraw parental authority from the parents due to the seriousness of the facts. The parents remain in provisional prison without bail due to the risk of flight.
Previous Hospital Visits Before Alarms Were Raised
Before the signs of abuse were detected, the healthcare system treated the baby for various issues without raising any red flags. Born in early February at Vall d’Hebron Hospital, where his mother worked, the baby underwent initial routine check-ups satisfactorily.
Multiple Hospital Visits Preceded Abuse Discovery
It was not until a month later, in early March, that the minor began a journey through several healthcare facilities. First, he went to Hospital del Mar due to vomiting and a low-grade fever. There, a urine study was performed, and a probe was inserted. Six days later, the family presented at Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, where a hematoma coinciding with the probe was detected. On March 10, they went to a Barcelona outpatient clinic and found that the hematoma had spread, leading to a referral to Sant Pau Hospital. At the hospital, a blood count and an abuse test were performed, which the baby passed with apparently normal results.
The alarms were raised on March 16. The family returned to Sant Pau due to immobility in the right leg, and tests then detected a fracture and an anal tear. The center activated the protocol: the baby was urgently transferred by ambulance to Vall d’Hebron Hospital, where he remains hospitalized; the parents traveled separately. The parents’ neutral reaction caught the attention of the professionals who treated them.
Upon their arrival at the Barcelona center, agents from the Mossos d’Esquadra were waiting and proceeded with their arrest. Two days later, on March 18, the judge ordered provisional imprisonment without bail for both, after evaluating the facts and their statements.
Source: https://elpais.com/espana/catalunya/2026-03-27/la-investigacion-por-el-bebe-maltratado-en-barcelona-se-amplia-fuera-del-circulo-familiar.html
