KATY, TX – A Texas mother faces grave accusations after allegedly inflicting harm on her four children using a dog leash and threatening to burn their hair over a trivial household dispute.
Ebony Gonzalez, 31, has been charged with four counts of injury to a child following a disturbing incident at her home in Katy, a suburb of Houston.
According to court documents, Gonzalez’s anger erupted when she found a tissue on the floor, and the children, aged 11, 11, 8, and 6, refused to confess to being responsible.
Authorities allege that in her frustration, Gonzalez struck each child with a dog leash. She further escalated the situation by threatening to set their hair on fire using the kitchen stove, as stated in a probable cause affidavit.
The horrific series of events came to light when one of the frightened children managed to slip a note detailing the abuse to a friend. This friend alerted the authorities, prompting an immediate response from local law enforcement.
Upon investigation, the police took the children into protective custody and conducted interviews. Detectives observed red welts and bruises on the upper backs of two children, according to their reports. Another child alleged that Gonzalez pulled her hair and kicked her. The youngest remained silent but showed visible signs of injury.
Gonzalez was subsequently detained and is now out on bond, having posted $10,000 for each charge. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday. Meanwhile, Child Protective Services is actively reviewing the situation.
As a condition of her bond, Gonzalez is prohibited from having unsupervised contact with her children, who are now staying with their grandmother. The case continues to unfold as authorities aim to protect the welfare of the children involved.