In re Emma P. CA2/4

INTRODUCTION

The material facts in this appeal are undisputed. On May 17, 2020, father T.P. (who has not appealed) shook his one-month-old son G.P. because he would not stop crying. Appellant mother Marisa P. was out at the time, but noticed G.P. exhibiting seizure-like symptoms after she returned. Father professed ignorance of the cause of G.P.’s symptoms, and Mother called 911. Three days later, while G.P. was still hospitalized, Mother learned his doctors suspected shaken baby syndrome. After discovering the doctors’ suspicions, Father confessed his actions to Mother, the maternal grandmother, and the maternal aunt (Mother’s sister, who was a public defender). The aunt advised Father and Mother not to talk to anybody until they consulted with counsel. As a result, Mother did not inform G.P.’s doctors of Father’s confession. On May 29, 2020, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) filed a petition on behalf of G.P. and his sister Emma (born February 2018), alleging jurisdiction under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300, subdivisions (a), (b)(1), (e), and (j). At a

2 detention hearing held June 3, 2020, Mother testified about when she had…