In a heart-wrenching and shocking incident, a two-month-old baby girl, Antonia, was left with a fractured skull and brain bleed after a brazen daylight home invasion in Alice Springs.
However, her father, Marlon Siguenza, has revealed that she is expected to make a “great recovery.”
The Attack: A Day That Will Never Be Forgotten
On December 11, two youths allegedly broke into the Siguenza family home on Bokhara Street in Larapinta, Alice Springs.
Antonia’s mother, Nicole Siguenza, was cradling her in her arms when one of the teenagers threatened her with a metal weapon and struck both mother and baby.
The pair were flown to Adelaide Women and Children’s Hospital in critical condition but have since been discharged.
A Long Road to Recovery
After their arrival back in Alice Springs, Marlon Siguenza said that Antonia is “doing a whole lot better.”
Although she suffered seizures as a result of the attack, none have occurred in the past few days. Her father described her as “a little fighter,” and the neurosurgeon is confident that she will make a great recovery due to her young age and size.
Outpouring of Support from the Community
The local community has banded together to support the Siguenza family, planning a series of fundraisers, including a bake sale, GoFundMe campaign, and luxury prize auction.
Marlon Siguenza said that the response was overwhelming, and the family is grateful for the love and support they have received.
Justice Served: Offenders Charged and Apprehended
The two offenders, aged 16 and 17, were apprehended within an hour and a half of the alleged home invasion and have been charged with five offenses, including unlawfully causing serious harm, aggravated assault, and robbery.
NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro described the incident as “totally unacceptable” and assured the public that the authorities are taking steps to ensure their safety.
Increased Police Presence: Operation Ludlow
In response to the incident, a fugitive task force, dubbed Operation Ludlow, will be expanded into Alice Springs, targeting people with outstanding warrants and high-risk repeat offenders.
The operation will include intensive patrols in five sectors, including four urban sectors and one rural, with additional police support to provide highly visible and high-engagement policing.
As the Siguenza family begins their journey to recovery, they are grateful for the support and love they have received from the community.
Antonia’s inspiring fight and the community’s outpouring of support serve as a reminder of the power of love and resilience in the face of adversity.