Dad accused of biting, bruising two young children (Mercedes, Texas)

Interesting that you have to read almost to the end to find out that dad DANIEL TORRES held the kids and their mother hostage in the apartment. Notice Mom has lost custody to CPS for Dad's actions.

http://www.krgv.com/news/father-accused-of-abusing-his-children/

Father Accused of Abusing His Children

Updated: Aug 7, 2012 6:02 PM

MERCEDES - Two children are in state custody after they were bitten and bruised by their own father, police said.

Officials documented the abuse Friday when the children's mother reached out for help.

Photos provided by the Mercedes Police Department show the 3-year-old girl and 2-year-old boy bruised and bitten. "It is very disturbing when you see photos like that, because these are defenseless children," Mercedes Police Chief Olga Maldonado said.

Maldonado said the children's father, Daniel Torres, was charged with the crime.

Torres claimed during his arraignment that his daughter's injuries were caused when she fell down the stairs.

Maldonado countered saying that a fall and a bite mark are very different things.

She said Torres' story didn't match his girlfriend's testimony. The woman said she and her kids were held in their apartment for a few weeks. She said the abuse happened on July 27.

Maldonado said the man dunked the little girl's head in a bucket with water several times. She also suffered skin damage when he allegedly placed a piece of frozen meat on her face.

Torres admitted to fighting with his girlfriend, Maldonado said.

The children were taken to a hospital were they were checked. They were turned over to Child Protective Service.

Torres was charged and taken to the Cameron County jail. His bond was set at $700,000.