Florida Woman Jeny Soto-Duenas Accused of Burning Two Children’s Hands on Hot Griddle After They Asked for More Food, Deputies Say

Fort Walton Beach, FL – A Florida woman is behind bars and under an ICE hold after investigators say she burned the hands of two young children on a hot griddle because they asked for more food after already eating.

Okaloosa County deputies responded to the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Hospital around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday after two children, ages 3 and 5, were brought in with severe burns on both palms. Deputies said the injuries were untreated and appeared hours old.

According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, a family member told authorities that 52-year-old Jeny Soto-Duenas admitted she intentionally placed the children’s hands on a hot griddle early Tuesday morning, holding them down out of frustration when they asked for additional food.

Investigators said the children suffered second- and third-degree burns, and both were transferred to the USA Burn Center in Alabama for specialized treatment.

Soto-Duenas was arrested and charged with two counts of child neglect with great bodily harm. She is being held without bond at the Okaloosa County Jail and has also been placed on an ICE detainer, though authorities have not released details regarding the reason for that hold.

Officials said it remains unclear what relationship, if any, exists between Soto-Duenas and the children. The investigation is ongoing.