Couple Arrested for Child Abuse After Girl Was Hospitalized for Severe Frostbite

Staff Writer

Wednesday, May 8th, 2019

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BIG BEAR, Calif. – A Big Bear couple was arrested for the child abuse and torture of a 10-year-old female child.

The investigation began on March 30, 2019, when the girl was taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center in the Town of Apple Valley, for the treatment of severe frostbite to her feet. The girl was then transported by ambulance to Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Forensic pediatricians were able to determine that the child had multiple other injuries, all in different stages of healing. The injuries to the child were consistent with suspected child abuse and neglect. It was learned that the girl lived in Big Bear with Joshua Gonzalez, 32, and Frances Castro, 35.

Following an extensive investigation and collaboration with Big Bear Sheriff’s Station, Forensic Pediatricians from LLUMC, Gonzalez and Castro were arrested by the Sheriff’s Specialized Enforcement Detail without incident on May 6, 2019, in Big Bear. Gonzalez and Castro were booked at Central Detention Center for Willful Cruelty to a Child, Torture and Mayhem. Bail was set for $275,000. Gonzalez and Castro are in custody at Central Detention Center. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Specialized Investigation Division, Crimes Against Children Detail, Detective Brian Arias (909) 387-3615. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or www.wetip.com.