GOLDEN, Colo. – A man who’s set to stand trial on accusations he savagely beat his girlfriend’s 2-year-old daughter says he’s not guilty.
In a Jefferson County courtroom Monday morning, Joshua Gonzales entered a plea of “not guilty” to the charge of reckless child abuse resulting in serious injury.
Gonzales surrendered to police in September and was released on bond.
According to investigators, the 2-year-old victim suffered numerous injuries from multiple beatings over a four-month period. The most recent beating left her with a lacerated liver, rib fractures, a dislocated shoulder and bruises all over her body.
On September 14, the girl’s mother, Melissa Mangeri, called 911 to report that her daughter was having a medical emergency.
Medical personnel found the girl unresponsive, lying in her mother's lap outside an elementary school.
Initially, Mangeri told police she didn't know how the injuries occurred, but when authorities told her they were "life-threatening," she told them that her boyfriend had beaten and kicked the child a few days before.
Mangeri also was arrested on suspicion of child abuse. She’s scheduled to appear in court later this month.
Gonzales’ next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 17, 2018.
