Margate woman accused of abusing her infant son turns herself in

MARGATE, Fla. — A 29-year-old Margate woman accused of abusing her infant son and causing multiple injuries last year turned herself in to deputies earlier this week, authorities said.

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According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Kimberly Stacy Rivera was arrested Monday after approaching a deputy around 11 p.m. during a “park walk” in the 700 block of Southwest 71st Avenue.

Authorities said Rivera told the deputy she believed she had an active warrant. She was then taken to the Broward County Main Jail to surrender.

The case stems from an Oct. 25, 2025, investigation after deputies said they responded to Broward Health Medical Center following a call from the Department of Children and Families regarding injuries to Rivera’s infant son.

According to an arrest report, a medical evaluation of the baby revealed “a non displaced mid left clavicle fracture, a healing left interior fourth rib fracture, and probable healed fractures involving both radius bones.”

Investigators also noted “a superficial mark consistent with a bite” with no explanation for the injuries.

Authorities said Rivera and her fiancé sought medical care earlier that morning after the baby showed pain and limited movement in his left arm. Imaging later confirmed multiple fractures to the boy, according to the report.

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Detectives said Rivera initially suggested the injuries may have been caused by her son’s older brother, telling investigators, “it may have been my son, maybe that bit him and I wasn’t looking when he did.” She also said the older child sometimes engaged in “rough play,” the report stated.

According to the report, Rivera told deputies she suffers from “depression” and “breakdowns” but insisted, “I would never take it (out) on my kids.”

Investigators said Rivera’s fiancé later told detectives Rivera had “come clean to him” and admitted she had “squeezed the baby” out of frustration. He also said Rivera had been “crying really bad” after experiencing “suicidal thoughts.”

Deputies said Rivera later confessed, stating “that’s probably why he has those fractures because of me” and apologized to investigators, saying, “I’m sorry I didn’t come clean to you guys. I was just afraid.”

They said Rivera was hospitalized under the Baker Act following the 2025 incident.

As of Wednesday, Rivera remained held without bond at the Broward County Main Jail on one count each of aggravated child abuse and child neglect causing bodily harm, according to jail records.

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