Glued Hands Mom: 'Only a Monster Does That - I Love My Kids'
The mother of Jocelyn Escalona asked a judge for leniency after pleading guilty to losing her temper and gluing her 2-year-old girl's hands to the wall. Escalona went to court on Wednesday and if sentenced, she could face up to life in prison.
Elizabeth Escalona pled guilty in July to abusing her 2-year-old daughter. Jocelyn was rushed into a hospital and stuck in a coma for days after suffering bleeding in the brain. The 2-year-old also had a fractured rib and was marked by bites and bruises.
"I want everybody to know I'm not a monster," Escalona said in court Wednesday. "I love my kids."
Escalona has been accused of beating her children in the past, but now says that she suffers remorse.
"I will never forgive myself for what I did to my own daughter," she told the judge.
It will be up to a judge to make the final call on whether or not Escalona should serve life in prison for her offense. Her sister, Margaret, was also upset about the incident but states that prison is not the right option for her sister.
"I wanted an explanation. I wanted to know what happened. I wanted to beat my sister up," Margaret admitted. But "her being taken away won't help any."
Escalona's mother, Ofelia, admitted that Escalona had a violent nature as a child and used to hit her. But she also added that Escalona had been abused as well. Ofelia is now caring for Escalona's five children, one of whom was born after the incident occurred.
Counselor Melanie Davis testified Wednesday that Escalona appeared to love her children but "is need of further counseling services."
"Only a monster does that," Escalona said in response to photos of her daughter's injuries.
The mother of five allegedly lost her temper with her 2-year-old after the girl failed at potty training.