Orlando – An Orlando woman is charged with the first degree murder of her 3-year-old daughter.
Maryanne Louise Schwartz, 22, was arrested by deputies while she was in the car of her live-in partner, Vanessa Morales. Morales also was arrested for driving with a suspended license and traffic charges.
Schwartz called 911 June 27 and reported her daughter was struck by a hit-and-run driver that evening. Yeliani Schwartz-Ojeda died in the hospital June 28.
Authorities said that when they arrived to the scene the victim was unresponsive. The 3-year-old was rushed to Arnold Palmer Hospital where she was pronounced dead, according to investigators.
Investigators said that Schwartz’s hit-and-run story was suspicious and began investigating.
Schwartz was first arrested on July 2 and held in jail for child abuse charges. Investigators said that Schwartz’s son, a 2-year-old boy, had multiple bruises on his body inconsistent with typical child activity.
She was charged later that same day for first-degree murder charges after an Orange County medical examiner said that the 3-year-old’s injuries weren’t caused by a vehicle. The medical examiner ruled the child’s death a homicide.
Morales has three children, who have been placed with family relatives. Schwartz’s 2-year-old son has been placed into foster care.
Scwhartz appeared in court July 4 with no posted bond. There hasn’t been word as to a further ruling by Orange County courts.
