Two arrested for torture, willful cruelty after child hospitalized with severe frostbite in Big Bear

BIG BEAR, Calif. (FOX 11) - Two Big Bear residents were arrested on Monday for torture and willful cruelty to a child after a 10-year-old was taken to the hospital for severe frostbite to her feet, deputies said.

On March 30, the child was transported by ambulance from Saint Mary's Medical Center in Apple Valley to Loma Linda University Medical Center. During a medical examination at LLUMC, forensic pediatricians found other injuries to the victim, in different stages of healing.

"All of the victim's injuries were consistent with suspected child abuse and neglect," the San Bernardino County Sheriff's office said in a press release.

Investigators learned that the 10-year-old lives in Big Bear with Joshua Gonzalez, 32, and Frances Castro, 35. They were both arrested without incident on Monday. The child's relationship to the suspects was not released in order to protect the child's identity.

Gonzalez and Castro were booked at Central Detention Center for willful cruelty to a child, torture and mayhem. They are being held in lieu of a $275,000 bond.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Specialized Investigation Division, Crimes Against Children Detail, Detective Brian Arias (909) 387-3615. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or www.wetip.com.