NEW ORLEANS —

Bryan Vaquez's mother, Hilda Vasquez, appeared in court for the first time since her arrest.

"Bryan was a healthy baby boy, and just a short 90 days into his life, everything changed,” said Melanie Talia.

Police accuse her of abusing the little boy throughout his life.

"A fractured skull, damaged lungs, fractured legs — not just one leg, two legs. It's what has been happening in this child’s life for the past 12 years,” Talia said.

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She currently faces two charges, negligent homicide and second-degree cruelty to a juvenile.

Talia, who is with the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, said it's disappointing to hear about the history of abuse.

"To think about a mother committing acts so heinous and that it leads to her child’s death,” Talia said.

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