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Queens Village couple accused of abusing 6-week-old son: DA

By Gina Martinez

A Queens Village couple has been charged with assault and reckless endangerment for allegedly injuring their six-week-old infant son, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.

Joyce Nazareth, 23, and Victor Lugo, 27, allegedly physically abused and neglected their infant to the point that he will need long-term rehabilitation and multiple reconstructive surgeries, the DA said.

Their son, 6-week old Liam Lugo, weighed seven pounds 13 ounces at birth July 11. On Aug. 22 Liam was admitted to a local hospital weighing 6 pounds 8 ounces, according to the DA. Doctors determined that Liam had multiple fractures to his collar bone, ribs, and right arm that were all in various stages of healing, Brown said. The baby boy was also suffering from life-threatening infections and malnutrition, according to the DA.

“The victim in this case is an infant, who depended on his parents for sustenance and care,” Brown said. “However, just weeks old, this baby allegedly suffered extensively at the hands of the very people who should have loved him the most. In addition to multiple fractures throughout his body, his nose eroded as a result of severe infections and he will be required to undergo multiple reconstructive surgeries. The infant was so malnourished when he was admitted to a local hospital for treatment that he weighed less than he did at birth. The defendants now face lengthy terms in prison, if convicted.”

If convicted the couple could spend up to 25 years in prison.

Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmartinez@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4566.