Seekonk woman held without bail in Fall River court after four-year-old child suffered second, third degree burns

A Seekonk woman was arraigned Tuesday morning in Fall River Superior Court in connection to an incident that occurred on October 8, 2023, where a four-year-old child suffered second and third degree burns over large portions of her body.

According to court records, the victim’s aunt, 44-year-old Franzceska Gerome, is being held without bail after being arrested by Seekonk Police and charged with Reckless Endangerment of a Child, Assault and Battery on a Child with Substantial Injury, and Permitting Substantial Injury to a Child.

A dangerousness hearing was also held Tuesday for Gerome and was taken under advisement.

The victim’s mother, 38-year-old Guilene Gerome who was not involved in today’s proceedings, was also arrested by Seekonk Police and was charged with Reckless Endangerment of a Child and Permitting Substantial Injury to a Child. She was previously held on $25,000 cash bail and was not allowed to have contact with her daughter.

According to Gregg Miliote of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, Seekonk Police responded to a residence on Oak Hill Avenue in Seekonk at approximately noon on October 9th for a report of a four-year-old girl with significant burns over large portions of her body. A subsequent investigation by Seekonk Police, Massachusetts State Troopers assigned to District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III’s office, and prosecutors, revealed that the victim sustained the life-threatening injuries about 17 hours before any law enforcement or medical professionals were contacted.

By the time the victim arrived at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, she was in critical condition. Her body was in shock due to the significant 2nd and 3rd degree burns that she was suffering from, and her organs were not functioning properly, which put her at risk of cardiac arrest.

After a thorough investigation, which included interviews with the defendants and consultation with the medical professionals who continued to care for the victim, arrest warrants were applied for and issued.

According to ABC6, Franzceska previously told authorities the child fell into a fire pit. Prosecutors stated that Franzceska is a nurse and she said that she poured cold water on the child and didn’t see any physical marks on her. Guilene, the child’s mother, said in court that she noticed burns and blisters on her body when she arrived home from work that night.

Both women have previously pled not guilty.