Custodial dad charged with felony child abuse in belt-whipping of daughter (Suffolk, Virginia)

We've posted on this case before. There is still a blackout of information on what happened to this little girl's mother, and why this child was in the custody of abusive dad VICTOR GOMEZ. I notice from the comments that even the general public is starting to notice this pattern of ommission.

http://hamptonroads.com/2012/01/suffolk-couple-charged-beltwhipping-young-girl

Suffolk couple charged in belt-whipping of young girl

By Veronica Gonzalez
The Virginian-Pilot
January 21, 2012
SUFFOLK

Police arrested a 29-year-old man Thursday and charged him with felony child abuse after they say he beat his daughter 82 times with a leather belt while her stepmother watched in North Suffolk.

Child Protective Services removed the girl from her home in the 2800 block of North Shore Drive as her father, Victor Gomez, was taken into custody, said spokeswoman Debbie George. The girl suffered bruising and welts on her back, buttocks and upper legs.

The girl's stepmother, Andrea Delagarza, 39, also was arrested Friday and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, George said. Police said Delagarza stood by and counted the number of times the girl was struck.

George would not say what prompted Wednesday's beating or who notified police of the incident.