A 38-year-old Rehoboth woman was ordered held without bail yesterday on charges that she beat and seriously injured her 2-year-old son, who was in critical condition at a Rhode Island hospital, police said.
Kim H. Peno was arraigned in Taunton District Court yesterday on charges of assault to murder and assault and battery of a child causing substantial injury, a spokesman for Bristol District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter said.
A not guilty plea was entered on Peno’s behalf on both charges. She is due back in court Monday.
Her lawyer, Robert Sinsheimer, told WCVB-TV that his client may have mental health issues. Sinsheimer could not be reached for comment last night.
Peno pleaded no contest in 1993 to charges of simple assault and assault and battery on a person over 60, according to the Rhode Island Judiciary website. She pleaded no contest to attempted larceny in 1995.
Rehoboth Police Chief Stephen J. Enos said in a statement yesterday that the child’s father entered the Seekonk Police and Fire Headquarters shortly after midnight seeking assistance for the toddler.
The child was transferred to
The district attorney’s office said the father is not a suspect, spokesman Gregg Milliote said.
Peno also has a 1-year-old child, who is in foster care, according to the state Department of Children and Families.
Material from the Associated Press was used in this report. Travis Andersen can be reached at tandersen@globe.com. 