Abington Mom Pleads Not Guilty as Critically Injured Infant Remains Hospitalized

Abington, Mass. — Abington Mom Pleads Not Guilty as Critically Injured Infant Remains Hospitalized

An Abington mother accused of severely abusing her two-month-old daughter pleaded not guilty Friday in Brockton District Court as prosecutors revealed the infant may never fully recover from the devastating injuries she allegedly suffered.

Jillian Timmons, 34, was arraigned on charges of assault and battery on a child causing serious bodily injury and reckless endangerment of a child. She was ordered held on $100,000 cash bail and, if released, is prohibited from having any contact with the baby or the child’s father while the case remains pending.

According to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, the investigation began on July 17 after Timmons brought her eight-week-old daughter to South Shore Hospital in Weymouth. Medical staff reportedly discovered the infant had a dangerously low core body temperature of 93 degrees and bruising on both sides of her face before she was rushed by medical helicopter to Boston Children’s Hospital for emergency treatment.

Doctors later determined the baby had suffered severe brain bleeds that investigators say were several days old and consistent with blunt-force trauma and physical abuse. Prosecutors told the court that the injuries are so extensive the child may never be able to walk, speak, feed herself, or live independently. She remained in the neonatal intensive care unit as of Friday.

During Friday’s arraignment, prosecutors described the alleged abuse as causing irreversible harm to a defenseless infant. Defense attorneys argued that Timmons is a loving first-time mother and denied she intentionally harmed her daughter, suggesting the evidence could point to another person. The judge entered a not guilty plea on her behalf.

Authorities said the case came to light after a mandated reporter at South Shore Hospital alerted law enforcement to suspected child abuse. Investigators from the Abington Police Department and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office launched a joint investigation that led to Timmons’ arrest Thursday on a warrant.

As part of the investigation, state police executed a search warrant at the family’s Abington residence, where investigators seized electronic devices and a journal documenting the infant’s care. Officials have not indicated whether additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.

The case has drawn widespread attention across Massachusetts because of the severity of the baby’s injuries and the young age of the victim. Court records indicate Timmons is scheduled to return to Brockton District Court on Aug. 31 for a probable cause hearing.

The allegations remain accusations, and Timmons is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Meanwhile, investigators continue working to determine exactly how the infant sustained the life-threatening injuries.

Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Abington Police Department or the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.