Orange County mother investigated after child's death

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An Orange County woman has become the center of a criminal investigation, after her 3-year-old daughter died from what her mother said was a hit-and-run crash.

Investigators said there are inconsistencies in 22-year-old Maryanne Schwartz’s story, however, and the Department of Children and Families has taken custody of her 2-year-old son following a hearing Sunday morning.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Schwartz called 911 around 9:30 p.m. Friday and reported that her young girl, Yolani Schwartz-Ojeda, had been hit by a car in the parking lot of the Grandview Pointe Apartments on Americana Boulevard.

Troopers said Schwartz was taking out her trash and was by the dumpster when the child was struck. She told investigators she did not see the impact.

Schwartz was driving Yolani to the hospital when the 911 dispatcher told to pull over and wait for first responders.

According to FHP, she pulled over at a Walgreens on John Young Parkway and Americana Boulevard and the child was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital in critical condition.

The girl died at the hospital Saturday morning.

Doctors said Yolani's injuries are not consistent with having been struck by a vehicle.

They said they found signs of malnourishment and extensive bruising to both children.

“There were concerns about the bruising in several stages of healing,” said DCF investigator Chandra Jones.

Jones said there was also concern about the temperature of the child’s body when the girl arrived at the hospital, based on the time Schwartz said the accident occurred.

No charges have been filed against Schwartz, despite the allegations of abuse.

Schwartz’s roommate and partner, Vanessa Morales, also had her children taken away Sunday after DCF found signs of abuse.

Morales’ ex-boyfriend said he’s concerned for all the children involved.

“I don't believe it was a hit-and-run. I haven't read the paperwork, but the way it sounds, it doesn't make sense,” said Erasmo Vazquez.

Schwartz is due back in court Tuesday, where she will be forced to answer questions about the abuse allegations regarding her son.

Schwartz is only allowed to see her son during supervised visits.

WFTV