Mother Arrested in Child-Abuse Case

SANTA ANA — The mother of a 2-year-old boy in critical condition was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of child endangerment, a week after her boyfriend was arrested on suspicion of beating the toddler.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Cynthia Denise Jones, 25, on a warrant alleging felony child endangerment, said Lt. Richard J. Olson, a Sheriff’s Department spokesman.

Jones was arrested at 12:30 p.m. at Municipal Court here, where she had gone for the arraignment of Lawrence Joseph Lujan, 30, who lives with her. Lujan’s arraignment was continued to Feb. 28. He is being held in Orange County Jail in Santa Ana in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Jones’ son remains in critical condition with a possible fractured skull at Western Medical Center-Santa Ana, authorities said.

After a doctor’s suggestion that Jones’ presence at the hospital may aid the child’s recovery, the court released Jones on her own recognizance, with bail set at $50,000.

Lujan, after questioning Thursday, admitted beating the boy daily since he and Jones moved into a North Tustin home three months ago, authorities said. Lujan was arrested after reportedly telling investigators that he had angrily thrown the boy against a wall.

In October, 1983, Lujan pleaded guilty to abusing another 2-year-old, served six months in jail and three years of probation, according to court documents.