The 30-year-old teacher’s aide reportedly attacked a pregnant woman and her elderly mother over a ride home. She reportedly attacked the pregnant woman, using a closed fist to repeatedly punch the woman in the face and stomach after she was told she’d have to wait 20 minutes to get a ride home. The victim reportedly pleaded for mercy.
The 30-year-old woman from Pennsylvania, Margarita Maldonado, was arrested and taken into custody on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022. Police officials said the teacher’s aide is now charged with aggravated assault of an unborn child, making terroristic threats, simple assault, misdemeanor harassment and criminal mischief, court records say.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, this unfortunate incident occurred at the residence of the pregnant victim. FOX 43 reports that the teacher’s aide had reportedly been staying with the victim at her home for several days prior to the attack.
The 30-year-old suspect reportedly approached the unidentified victim and requested that the woman drive her back to her home, just over 40 miles away. The victim told the suspect that she would drive her home, but that she would have to wait about 20 minutes.
The 30-year-old teacher’s aide then began cursing at the pregnant woman for being selfish as she grew increasingly enraged that the woman would make her wait. The pregnant woman then allegedly pushed the suspect over the edge when she said she was calling her mother.
The 30-year-old teacher’s aide then reportedly attacked the pregnant woman, using a closed fist to repeatedly punch the woman in the face and stomach. The unidentified victim pleaded for mercy and begged Maldonado not to hurt her baby.
The 30-year-old teacher’s aide allegedly told the victim she did not care what happened and said she hoped that both the victim and her baby died. “I’ll kill you and I’ll kill your baby,” Maldonado allegedly said as she attacked the victim, according to a PennLive.
When the victim’s mother arrived at her daughter’s home, the 30-year-old teacher’s aide reportedly attacked the elderly woman as well. Maldonado reportedly took one of her walking canes and repeatedly hit her in the back with it.
The 30-year-old woman then fled the scene, police said. Both victims were taken to a hospital for treatment. The extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.
Maldonado is being held on $300,000 bond, court records say. This incident remains under investigation. This is a developing story and it will be updated as new information become available.