BUSHWICK — A local police precinct is hosting a domestic violence awareness event this week after a 3-year-old girl was beaten to death.
Officers from the 83rd Precinct's Domestic Violence Unit will be at Maria Hernandez Park, located between Irving Avenue and Knickerbocker Avenue at Starr Street, on Thursday at 1 p.m., said Captain Maximo Tolentino, commanding officer of the precinct.
The event comes days after 3-year-old Jeida Torres was beaten to death, allegedly by her ex-con stepfather Kelsey "Shawn" Smith.
"We're trying to do community outreach," Tolentino said at a community policing meeting Tuesday. "If you know a victim, we want to help those people before they become a victim."
The police officers will be handing out informational pamphlets and offering advice for anybody who needs assistance.
Smith, 20, attacked Jeida on Saturday after she soiled herself in the family's home on Cooper Street, police said. Her brother Andrew Torres, 5, was sent to the hospital with injuries, while their mother Kimberly Torres was at work.
Kimberly Torres told the children's biological father Pedro Torres that she and Smith argued, but that it didn't get physical.
Smith had a history of violence and harassment, including attacking inmates and guards while behind bars. He was ordered held without bail during a video arraignment from the Bellevue Hospital Prison Ward.
He is next due in court Friday.
The community policing council held a moment of silence for Jeida at Tuesday's meeting to mourn the loss of the toddler. A representative from the mayor's office also attended to remind locals of the Family Justice Center resources.
Tolentino encouraged locals to not fear being a nosy neighbor when it comes to potential domestic abuse situations.
People in precarious economic situations can also be referred to shelters and other resources from local police, he added.
"There's a way out," he said. "We can help you. If you see anything, communicate it to us."
