MIAMI, FL – Authorities have charged a Florida woman with child abuse after her boyfriend’s child left a desperate plea for help on a Post-it note, leading to a criminal investigation.
Katrina Carrillo, 25, found herself entangled in legal trouble after posting bail from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami. Released on Wednesday, she faces charges of felony child abuse involving her boyfriend’s children following disturbing allegations of mistreatment.
The investigation was set in motion in March when Carrillo’s boyfriend’s 9-year-old son allegedly left a pink Post-it note asking for help. This small yet powerful note prompted action from the Florida Department of Children and Families, which stepped in to remove the boy and his sibling from Carrillo’s care.
The critical evidence emerged on March 4, though details regarding the note’s discovery remain unclear. Still, the message was compelling enough to alert authorities and initiate protective measures for the children.
During a forensic interview, the 9-year-old recounted troubling allegations against Carrillo. He claimed that she not only pinned him down and beat him but also attempted to smother him using a blanket and pillow. The boy reportedly described a terrifying scenario where he struggled to breathe.
When questioned by Miami police, Carrillo reportedly denied the accusations, asserting that she only disciplines her own children, not her boyfriend’s. Her adamant refutation, however, did not sway law enforcement officials.
Carrillo was subsequently charged and briefly held before posting a $5,000 bond. In her initial court appearance, a judge imposed a restraining order, instructing her to avoid any contact with her boyfriend’s children.
As the case progresses, Carrillo has secured legal representation. Details about her upcoming court appearances remain undisclosed. The charges against her underscore the pressing need to protect vulnerable children and respond swiftly to signs of potential abuse.