Paramedics testify about burned boy

The trial of Juan Miguel Vasquez resumed Monday with testimony from those who first responded to the Whitefish trailer home where a 5-year-old boy was severely burned by scalding water in a bathtub.

Vasquez, 28, is charged with felony counts of aggravated assault, criminal endangerment and assault on a minor in connection with the October 2008 incident.

Prosecutors allege that Vasquez forced his girlfriend’s son into the bathtub, and that the boy suffered second- and third-degree burns to more than 40 percent of his body.

But defense attorney Noel Larrivee intends to demonstrate that the incident was a “horrible accident” that happened when the child slipped in the tub while Vasquez was in another room.

Among those who testified Monday were Whitefish paramedics who where the first to arrive at the trailer.

Brian Wood said he arrived to find the boy lying on a bed, screaming and crying and in obvious pain.

He said the boy’s mother was “distraught, hysterical.”

Wood said he spoke with Vasquez, who “stated that the child was drawing himself a bath” and that he heard screams coming from the bathroom.

“You don’t have any information that this was more than an accident?” Larrivee asked.

“No,” Wood responded.

“Nothing further,” Larrivee said.

Paramedic Sara Peterson said she got to the trailer shortly after Wood. She also described the boy as being in “extreme pain” and crying intermittently.

“Do you have any information that this was not an accident?” Larrivee asked.

“No,” Peterson responded, concluding her testimony.

If convicted of abusing the boy, Vasquez could face up to 35 years in prison and a $150,000 fine. The trial is expected to continue through this week.