BCSO sheriff: Toddler showed signs of violent sexual assault, being stabbed

SAN ANTONIO – Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar released details in a child abuse case he said his detectives called one of the worst they’d ever seen.

Salazar said deputies were called to a home in southern Bexar County on New Year’s Eve for a report of a child who had been attacked by a dog.

When deputies arrived, Isaac Cardenas said the toddler wandered outside during the night and was attacked by the animals. Emergency medical technicians soon arrived and noticed the wounds did not match the man's story.

Deputies continued to investigate the case and soon realized the story of a woman who is a relative of the victim did not match Cardenas’ story. Salazar said the victim showed signs of being sexually assaulted and stabbed.

"Without being too graphic about it, (for) a child this small to suffer those types of injuries to the body parts that were injured. She's going to carry this for the rest of her life,” Salazar said. “Physically, emotionally and all that details and it's a heartbreaking case"

The toddler remains at University Hospital where she is recovering.

Cardenas, 23, was arrested and charged with super aggravated sexual assault of child. His bond has been set at $300,000.

The relative, Crystal Herrera, 22, was also arrested and charged with injury to a child by omission.

Animal Care Services picked up the dogs and said the animals showed no signs of aggression, the sheriff's office said.

This is a developing story. Watch KSAT at 5 p.m. for the very latest.