2 women accused of torturing Rialto boy for years arrested

Two women arrested for allegedly torturing 12-year-old boy

Two women accused of torturing a Rialto boy for years starting when he was just 6-months-old have been arrested, according to police.

RIALTO, Calif - Two women accused of torturing a Rialto boy for years starting when he was just 6-months-old have been arrested, according to police.

The suspects, 69-year-old Juanita Shorty and 51-year-old Leonora Harrell, are accused of the physical and emotional abuse of the now-12-year-old victim, officials said. The abuse occurred over several years while the victim was a baby and in Shorty's care, according to authorities.

69-year-old Juanita Shorty and 51-year-old Leonora Harrell were arrested by Rialto police and are being held on $1 million bail each. / Rialto Police Department

Forensic interviews with the boy led to the discovery that he had been subjected to various forms of physical abuse and torture including being burned by hot water, being hit on the head resulting in scars, and being threatened with a firearm, detectives said. Police also say he was threatened with a firearm.

Neighbors say the two women are foster homes and they have seen kids running in and out of the house. Some neighbors say they've heard screaming coming from the house, but haven't witnessed any torture.

Meanwhile, neighbors also told FOX 11 that they aren't surprised the women were arrested.

69-year-old Juanita Shorty and 51-year-old Leonora Harrell were arrested by Rialto police and are being held on $1 million bail each. / Rialto Police Department

Shorty and Harrell each were booked into the West Valley Detention Center and are being held on $1 million bail.

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The Rialto Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding these crimes to contact investigators. Witnesses can contact Lt. James Mills at (909) 820-2632 or anonymously through WeTip at (800) 782-7463.

Rialto Crime and Public Safety