Crime & Safety

Buckley Mother Accused of Pouring Bleach into Infant Daughter's Eyes

Jennifer L. Mothershead is in police custody after doctors discovered that she possibly poured bleach in her 14-month-old daughter's eyes.

News outlets are buzzing this morning at the report of a woman who allegedly poured bleach into her 14-month-old daughter's eyes.

Buckley resident, 29-year-old Jennifer L. Mothershead, was arrested Friday and has been charged in Pierce County court with first-degree assault. She will make her first court appearance in Tacoma this afternoon.

Her infant daughter was airlifted to Harborview on May 12, 2011 for a head injury. During their examination, doctors found bruising and eye infection, according to a KOMO 4 News report.

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When asked about the eye infection, Mothershead allegedly told police she had been given eye drops for it. When the child was put in protective custody for the head injury after abuse was suspected, hospital staff opened the eyedrop container and smelled a strong odor. The contents of the drops were tested and later determined to contain bleach.

The little girl's eye problems were also determined to be caused by bleach. She has since been removed from her mother's care but may never again regain normal vision. Doctors believe she will experience permanent blindness in one eye.

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Mothershead is currently held on $150,000 bail in Tacoma.


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