Laredo Man Pleads Guilty to Hitting 3-Year-Old

Daniel Villanueva faces sentencing on April 22 after admitting to child injury charges.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a small, unidentifiable object related to the crime, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A harsh flash illuminates the disturbing details of a child abuse case, exposing the fragility of innocence and the urgency for justice.Laredo Today

Daniel Villanueva, a Laredo resident, has pleaded guilty to two counts of injury to a child/elderly/disabled with intent to cause bodily injury, a third-degree felony. The charges stem from a September 2022 incident where Villanueva allegedly slapped a 3-year-old boy in his care, causing injuries to the child's face. Villanueva is set to be sentenced on April 22 in the 111th District Court.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of child abuse and neglect in the Laredo community, and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable through the criminal justice system. The guilty plea could result in a prison sentence for Villanueva, sending a strong message that such acts of violence against children will not be tolerated.

The details

According to court documents, in September 2022, Laredo police responded to a report of an injured child. The child's mother told officers that her son had been left in the care of her boyfriend, Villanueva, when he sustained injuries to his face. The mother claimed Villanueva told her the child had fallen down the stairs. However, when the officer asked the child what happened, the child replied 'papi' and 'mano,' indicating Villanueva had hit him. Villanueva did not show up for multiple scheduled interviews with detectives to discuss the incident.

  • On September 16, 2022, Laredo police responded to the report of an injured child.
  • On January 20, 2023, Villanueva was arrested and charged with two counts of injury to a child.
  • On March 31, 2026, Villanueva pleaded guilty to the charges during a pre-trial hearing.
  • Villanueva's sentencing is scheduled for April 22, 2026 at 9 a.m.

The players

Daniel Villanueva

A Laredo resident who pleaded guilty to two counts of injury to a child/elderly/disabled with intent to cause bodily injury, a third-degree felony.

Monica Z. Notzon

The judge presiding over the 111th District Court where Villanueva's case is being heard.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Villanueva's sentencing is scheduled for April 22, 2026 at 9 a.m. in the 111th District Court, where Judge Monica Z. Notzon will determine his punishment.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of child abuse and neglect in the Laredo community, and the importance of the criminal justice system holding perpetrators accountable for such acts of violence against vulnerable children.