Florida Mother Accused of Brutal Abuse Against Her Son and Elderly Benefactor, Leaving One Permanently Blind

Miami Shores resident facing charges for severe abuse against her teenage son and a 65-year-old man who offered them shelter, resulting in permanent injuries.

Miami Shores, FL — A Florida woman is facing serious charges after allegedly subjecting both her teenage son and an older man to prolonged and violent abuse inside the home they shared. Jasmine Jean-Baptiste, 31, has been arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse causing great bodily harm and aggravated abuse of an elderly or disabled adult.

According to the Miami Shores Police Department, Jean-Baptiste was taken into custody after reports surfaced of shocking mistreatment of her 13-year-old son and a 65-year-old man who had generously taken her in years ago.

Authorities say Jean-Baptiste and her son found refuge with the older man about nine years ago when her son was still a toddler. The two had been living out of a car. The man reportedly opened his home out of compassion, hoping to provide stability for the struggling mother and child.

However, police allege that Jean-Baptiste exploited his kindness and subjected both him and her son to physical and emotional torment. According to investigators, she forced her son to squat for hours at a time as punishment for misbehavior at school, at times depriving him of water during these sessions.

A school staff member became concerned after overhearing Jean-Baptiste threaten her son, allegedly saying, “I am going to kill him,” during an incident that prompted a report to the Florida Department of Children and Families. That report triggered an investigation, ultimately revealing a pattern of abuse spanning years.

The older man, who became increasingly fearful for his safety, told authorities he had endured regular assaults by Jean-Baptiste. He described being "sucker-punched" without warning, an attack that reportedly left him permanently blind in one eye. He also claimed that Jean-Baptiste knocked out one of his teeth during a separate assault.

“She is firm,” the man reportedly told investigators. “I can’t hit her. You know, a male would be blamed for hitting a female.” Despite his fear, he expressed more significant concern for the welfare of Jean-Baptiste’s children, telling police, “I’d rather you worry about the kids.”

According to police records, witnesses and the elderly victim provided photographs documenting his injuries over time. The images reportedly show extensive bruising, contusions, and facial lacerations that corroborate the accounts of violence.

Further investigation revealed that Jean-Baptiste’s son endured regular physical abuse. He told authorities his mother slapped him, beat him with belt buckles, and struck him with her hands, resulting in scars from repeated attacks.

Police believe Jean-Baptiste mirrored the abusive behaviors her son had previously experienced from his stepfather before they became homeless.

Jean-Baptiste was arrested and held without bond at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. She currently faces two serious charges and remains under investigation.

Authorities emphasize the importance of reporting suspected abuse and ensuring both children and vulnerable adults are protected from harm.

Follow us for updates on cases involving child and elder protection and ongoing justice efforts in Florida.