Toddler still listed 'critical'
The Denver Post | October 25, 1998

With their 14-month-old son still in critical condition and their day-care provider facing abuse charges, an Aurora couple asked the public Friday for prayers and well wishes.

"We would like everyone to know that our main concern right now is to focus on the recovery of our Angel Bear, Hunter, so we can hold him and have him home soon," parents Jacqueline and Greg Rodriguez said in a written statement issued through Children's Hospital.

"We would like everyone to pray for Hunter and his future and please give your kids a big hug."

Aurora police arrested 29-year-old Shawna Pint, the licensed child-care provider responsible for watching Hunter, late Thursday. She faces charges of Felony child abuse.

"Injuries the child had are consistent with what has come to be known as shaken baby syndrome," police spokesman Mark Hellenschmidt said.

Hellenschmidt said the investigation is continuing. He did not know how many other children were under Pint's care at the time.

He said Pint noticed Monday the baby was pale and vomiting. Hunter was first taken to Columbia Medical Center South and then transfered to Children's.

Hunter is just one of two babies being treated at Children's for injuries sustained Monday. Police say 8-week-old Jonah Ruiz of Greeley may also be a victim of shaken baby syndrome inflicted by a day-care provider.

Police have arrested Rene Gallegos in that case. Children's spokeswoman Jenny Kolquist said Jonah remains on life support and is unresponsive.

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