East Providence Couple Charged With Child Abuse Against Infant

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — An East Providence couple is facing child abuse charges after a baby was taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries, police said. Trinity Neal, 19, and Jolaon Perry, 22, both of East Providence, were each charged with one count of first degree child abuse, one count of second degree child abuse and one count of cruelty to or neglect of a child.

Neal is the child's mother, while Perry is her boyfriend. On Oct. 30, the then-15-month-old baby was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Hasbro Children's Hospital, The Department of Children, Youth and Families said. According to police, who were called to the hospital the next day, the injuries were "consistent with strangulation" and included those from blunt force trauma.

The incident was investigated by the two departments, along with doctors from the Aubin Center, who determined that the child's injuries were likely due to mistreatment. On Nov. 10, Neal and Perry were arrested and charged. Both were arraigned and later released on $20,000 bail with surety.

The baby has since been released from the hospital and is in the care of DCYF.