Warning: This article features descriptions of child abuse. Please read with care.
A woman from Hudson Falls, New York, is facing a life sentence after being found guilty of the horrific abuse of her boyfriend’s 11-month-old daughter.
Jamilee Hunt was convicted by a Summit County jury on various felony charges, including rape, five counts of felonious assault, and multiple counts of child endangerment. Her co-defendant and the infant’s father, Jason Santos, has already received a life sentence for similar charges.
The details surrounding this case are deeply disturbing. When responding to a 911, officers arrived at Red Roof Inn in Springfield Township, Ohio, in November 2024. There, they encountered Hunt and Santos, who claimed that the infant had suddenly stopped breathing. While the officers performed lifesaving measures on the child, they immediately noticed “extensive bruising and other signs of physical assault,” according to the prosecutor’s office.
The infant was rushed to Akron Children’s Hospital in critical condition, where medical professionals and social workers uncovered the true extent of the trauma. According to Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich, the child suffered “multiple rib fractures, fractures to her arms and legs, and significant bruising, injuries inconsistent with the explanation provided by Santos and Abare.” Abare was the false identity Hunt used when interacting with police.
Some people should never be allowed near children
Further investigation by medical staff revealed that the abuse was not an isolated event. The prosecutor’s office stated, “Many of the fractures were in various stages of healing, indicating prolonged abuse.” Beyond the skeletal injuries, the infant suffered a traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding that led to hemorrhagic shock, and a broken clavicle.
Doctors also found evidence consistent with rape and sexual assault. Adding to the gravity of the medical findings, WKYC Studios reported that prosecutors emphasized the brutality of the case during the proceedings, noting that the victim went to the hospital “almost dead” with a final count of 62 fractures throughout her body.
The initial excuses provided by Hunt and Santos were transparently false. At the scene, they attempted to blame the infant’s life-threatening injuries on their dog jumping on her. This explanation was quickly dismissed by investigators, as it was entirely inconsistent with the medical evidence.
Detective John Simms noted how Santos, even after being detained, lied repeatedly and showed a complete lack of concern for his daughter’s condition. Hunt, who was later identified after using the fake name Nicole Abare, also attempted to deflect blame during the investigation.
The legal fallout has been severe. Jason Santos pleaded guilty to his charges last week, avoiding a trial but accepting a life sentence. Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Joy Malek Oldfield sentenced Santos to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years for the charge of rape, plus a term of 40-44 years for five counts of felonious assault that will be served first. That means he only has the possibility of parole after 55 to 59 years.
During the sentencing, Judge Oldfield remarked, “I think the conduct is so terrible that one single sentence will not suffice,” adding that the sentence was not disproportionate to the danger he posed to the public. Santos will also be designated as a Tier III sex offender for the rest of his life.
Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich did not mince words regarding the severity of the crimes committed by both defendants. In a statement, he noted that Hunt “failed” the child. “She failed as a caretaker, a guardian and a protector, and I am disturbed by her crimes and inability to take responsibility for her role in the abuse and torture of this infant,” he added.
“Against daunting odds, the child is alive, safe, and continuing to heal with her new guardian, and our hearts go out to her and her family as she grows up.” Kolkovich also praised the first responders and medical staff who worked to save her life.
Regarding the father’s role, Kolkovich stated, “Jason Santos was supposed to be this child’s protector. Instead, he betrayed her in the most heinous and cruel way imaginable. I am grateful that she will receive the justice she deserves
The trial for Jamilee Hunt has concluded with her conviction, and she is currently scheduled to be sentenced on May 6.
Published: Apr 28, 2026 09:13 am