Quincy Woman Charged With Bruising Baby, Causing Trauma

QUINCY, MA — A Quincy woman faces allegations that she assaulted a baby who later died.

Shu Feng Hsu, 27, was arrested at her home this morning on a warrant for the charge of assault and battery on a child causing serious bodily injury. She pleaded not guilty to the charge during her arrangement in Quincy District Court Thursday afternoon and was ordered held on $200,000 cash bail. She was also ordered to stay away from the victim's parents.

Officials were called to Hsu's Sewall Street home on Feb. 15 for medical assistance for 11-month old Chloe Chen. Hsu, who is Chen's aunt, was watching the child and her two-year-old when she called 911 and told officers that she didn't know what was happening to Chen.

The 11-month-old suffered three seizures while she was taken to Boston Medical Center and her heart rate dropped while getting a CT scan, according to a police report read in court by Assistant District Attorney Lisa Beatty.

In surgery, a surgeon allegedly found a bruise on the child's forehead and a blood in her cranium. Operators had to stop surgery to give Chen CPR during the surgery. She died two days after being taken to the hospital.

An autopsy revealed bruising on Chen's face and forehead and swelling on her face and eyes. The left hemisphere of her brain hemorrhaged out of her skull cradle and blood went from skull to spine.

During the investigation, police obtained a warrant to seize surveillance footage from cameras inside the home. While footage from inside the room was not obtained, another camera captured sound from the time of the alleged incident. Earlier in the day, Chen can be seen acting in a healthy manner during the day but during the 4 p.m. hour, Hsu can be seen going into the room where the baby was screaming. Her entry was followed by several thumps. At one point, Chen sounds like she is either hyperventilating or gagging, Beatty said.

Defense attorney Chris Belzos said there have been no allegations of abuse from anyone and no involvement from the Department of Children and Families. He said Hsu has been cooperating with investigators and would have met with them more if not for a scheduling conflict.

The home where Hsu lives is shared by her fiance and his extended family. Chen and her parents also live there.

The cause of death for Chen has not been determined. The result could mean a murder charge and higher bail for Hus, Judge Mark Coven said.

Hsu is due back in court April 23.

Image Credit: Greg Derr/Patriot Ledger, Pool Photo