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13 Investigates speaks with parents of murdered toddler, remembered for her smile

CONEJOS COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- 13 Investigates sat down with the family of a 23-month-old girl who allegedly passed away after suffering abuse at the hands of her babysitter.

On January 31, deputies responded to a Conejos County home on reports of a child struggling to breathe. Anaiah Quintana, whose identity was confirmed by family members to 13 Investigates, was airlifted to Children's Hospital in Colorado Springs.

Anaiah later passed away on Feb. 3.

Her mother told 13 Investigates that Anaiah was the glue that kept their entire family together. She's remembered for her massive smile, infectious dancing, and the way she would steal sips of soda from her dad.

Anaiah Quintana

Without Anaiah, the toddler's family says there is a massive void inside their home.

"The twinkle in her eye and her smile would just melt your heart," Dreamishia Guerrero, Anaiah's mother, told 13 Investigates. "She was kind, loving, and caring. If you were upset or you were crying she would come up to you and give you the biggest hugs, and just snuggle with you."

Anaiah was airlifted to Children's Hospital Colorado Springs on Jan. 31.

According to court records obtained by 13 Investigates, the toddler suffered from a subdural hemorrhage or severe swelling of the brain. Doctors also noted significant bruising to the child’s face, forehead, and on the inside of both ears. 

"It was just bad news after bad news after bad news," Guerrero said, remembering the days at Children's Hospital Colorado Springs. "We couldn't bring ourselves to leave her side. We kept talking to her and telling her that we loved her. We wished we could've changed it and protected her, and that we didn't know."

Her babysitter, 47-year-old Denise Cordova, faces a murder charge for the child's death. Doctors specializing in child abuse told investigators the little girl's injuries weren't consistent with an accident, but child abuse.

Cordova is accused of abusing the child to death and is being held in the Conejos County Jail on a $1 million bond.

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