A Florida woman has been arrested after police said she admitted to squeezing her infant son hard enough to cause serious injuries, including broken bones. Investigators say the woman later confessed during questioning and reportedly blamed postpartum depression and emotional stress for her actions.
Florida Mother Accused of Hurting Baby
Kimberly Rivera, 29, is currently being held at the Broward County Main Jail on charges of aggravated child abuse and child neglect.
According to police documents, the investigation started on Oct. 18, 2025, after medical staff at Broward General Medical Center contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families about a baby boy suffering from a broken collarbone and fractured rib.
At first, Rivera allegedly suggested the injuries may have been caused by the baby’s older brother.
| Case Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Accused | Kimberly Rivera |
| Location | Broward County, Florida |
| Charges | Aggravated child abuse, child neglect |
| Victim | Infant baby boy |
| Injuries | Broken collarbone and rib |
| Court Date | June 1 |
Witness Claimed Mother Confessed
According to investigators, a person close to Rivera later told police that she admitted hurting the baby.
The witness reportedly said Rivera was crying heavily and confessed by saying, “I squeezed the baby.”
Police documents also stated that Rivera was allegedly dealing with emotional struggles and suicidal thoughts around that time.
Police Say Rivera Admitted Responsibility
After being read her Miranda rights, Rivera was interviewed again by investigators.
According to the affidavit, when officers questioned her about the baby’s injuries, she allegedly replied:
“That’s probably why he has those fractures, because of me.”
Police said Rivera demonstrated the alleged squeezing motion using a pillow and admitted the actions “would’ve hurt him really bad” because the child was “just a baby.”
Postpartum Depression Mentioned During Interview
Investigators said Rivera told them she believed she was suffering from postpartum depression and that she often felt overwhelmed and emotionally unstable.
According to police, Rivera expressed regret during the interview and allegedly apologized for not telling the truth earlier.
Police also found a note written on her phone that reportedly read:
“One night I let the frustration and postpartum depression get over me and I squeezed [redacted] because he wouldn’t stop crying.”
Mental Health Treatment and Arrest
Authorities said Rivera was later admitted to a mental health facility after the alleged abuse incident.
According to local reports, Rivera recently approached a Broward County deputy herself and mentioned she believed there was an active warrant for her arrest.
She was then taken into custody and booked into jail, where she remains held without bail.
Court Appearance Scheduled
Kimberly Rivera is expected to appear in court for arraignment on June 1.
The case has sparked conversations about postpartum depression, mental health support for mothers, and the importance of seeking help during emotional crises involving childcare stress. Authorities continue to investigate the incident while the child’s condition has not been publicly updated.
