Prosecutors say 4-year-olds burn injuries not consistent with mother’s, aunt’s testimony

Editor’s note: Discretion advised, as some may find the following story disturbing.

TAUNTON, MASS. (WLNE) — A prosecuting attorney in Taunton District Court Monday alleged that an aunt’s statement about the severe burns on her 4-year-old niece is not consistent with the medical evidence presented.

The child was burned in an incident at a residence on Oak Hill Avenue in Seekonk on the evening of Oct. 9.

Officials say that night, the girl’s aunt, 44-year-old Franzceska Gerome, was watching the 4-year-old. Franzceska claimed that her niece had fallen into a fire pit, without a shirt on, for a total of three seconds.

“The burns, according to the medical professionals, are not consistent with having fallen into a fire, they’re not flame burns,” said the prosecutor to the judge. “It’s more consistent – not just medically but almost based on where the burns were located, with being scalded with a liquid.”

Prosecutors alleged that the girl was burned roughly 17 hours before anyone called for help.

This is a photo of Franzceska Gerome, 44, in court after a four-year-old child sustained serious burns to large parts of her body. (WLNE)

“The defendants failure to act accordingly to the doctor led her to being in critical condition,” the prosecutor continued.

The girl suffered from 2nd-degree thermal and tissue burns and is still receiving care at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

Franzceska’s lawyer told the court that there may be evidence backing her claims of what happened to her niece.

“I would think there’s going to be expert testimony, perhaps judge that would support what she says, what the defendant said happened,” Franzceska’s attorney said.

The mother of the 4-year-old, 38-year-old Guilene Gerome, was not home at the time of the incident.

This is a photo of Guilene Gerome, 38, appearing in court facing child endangerment charges after her daughter sustained severe burns over a large portion of her body. (WLNE)

Guilene said she didn’t call police when she arrived home the night of the incident because Franzceska said the child was not in pain.

“This child was left to suffer by the actions of this defendant and her life was in jeopardy based on the actions of this defendant as well as the codefendant,” the prosecutor explained.

Attorneys for both women say neither of them carry a criminal record.

Franzceska and Guilene pleaded not guilty to reckless endangerment of a child, among other charges. Franzceska was given an added charge of mayhem on Monday.

Franzceska was ruled a danger and ordered to be held without bail. Guilene was ruled a flight risk and given $25,000 bail after their arraignment.

Both women have a hearing set for Dec. 12.