Police Release New 'Nanny Cam' Video In Abuse Probe
Parents 'Horrified' By Alleged Abuse Caught On Tape
POSTED: 5:36 p.m. EDT October 13, 2003
UPDATED: 1:25 a.m. EDT October 14, 2003
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. -- The parents of a baby allegedly abused by their nanny said they were horrified to discover the alleged mistreatment of their child -- abuse police said was caught on tape.
Police on Monday released new video allegedly showing a South Florida nanny abusing a 5-month-old Hollywood girl in her care.
The newly released video shows what authorities say are instances of abuse by 29-year-old Claudia Muro inside the home where she cared for the child.
The video shows Muro shaking the baby, and in other parts of the tape, lifting the child over her head and repeatedly slamming her onto the kitchen floor.
Bret and Jennifer Schwartz, of Hollywood, said they became suspicious when their daughter would begin squirming and crying whenever she was handed to Muro. The parents installed hidden cameras inside their home as a precaution.
The family talked about their ordeal on NBC's "Today Show" on Monday.
"She started crying every time we handed her to the nanny," Jennifer Schwartz said. "We weren't sure if that was separation anxiety, our daughter associating the nanny with leaving the house."
The Schwartzes said they took the baby to the hospital when they noticed a bite mark on their daughter. After that, they reviewed the tapes from the nanny-cam and after seeing the alleged abuse, they contacted police.
"We saw a suspicious mark on her cheek which prompted us to review the tape from that day to see where it came from," Schwarz said. "What we saw was horrifying. It was the nanny vigorousl shaking the baby."
Muro was arrested last week and charged with four counts of child abuse.
The family said they hired Muro thru an agency, and that they hired a private investigator to conduct a separate background check on the Peruvian native. Jennifer Schwartz said she even stayed home with the nanny and baby for two months before returning to work.
Meanwhile, Muro remains behind bars on $150,000 bond.
Immigration officials have placed a hold on her case because she is apparently in the U.S. illegally.
Doctors said the baby is being monitored but that she is expected to be ok.
| FeedRoom | ||
 | ||
 | ||
Alleged Abuse Caught On TapeBret and Jennifer Schwartz, of Hollywood, said they became suspicious when their daughter would begin squirming and crying whenever she was handed to Muro. The parents installed hidden cameras inside their home as a precaution.
The family talked about their ordeal on NBC's "Today Show" on Monday.
"She started crying every time we handed her to the nanny," Jennifer Schwartz said. "We weren't sure if that was separation anxiety, our daughter associating the nanny with leaving the house."
The Schwartzes said they took the baby to the hospital when they noticed a bite mark on their daughter. After that, they reviewed the tapes from the nanny-cam and after seeing the alleged abuse, they contacted police.
"We saw a suspicious mark on her cheek which prompted us to review the tape from that day to see where it came from," Schwarz said. "What we saw was horrifying. It was the nanny vigorousl shaking the baby."
Muro was arrested last week and charged with four counts of child abuse.
The family said they hired Muro thru an agency, and that they hired a private investigator to conduct a separate background check on the Peruvian native. Jennifer Schwartz said she even stayed home with the nanny and baby for two months before returning to work.
Meanwhile, Muro remains behind bars on $150,000 bond.
Immigration officials have placed a hold on her case because she is apparently in the U.S. illegally.
Doctors said the baby is being monitored but that she is expected to be ok.
Previous Stories:
- October 10, 2003: Alleged Abuse By Nanny Caught On Tape
Copyright 2003 by NBC6.net. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
