Mother endures torture and imprisonment 'to save newborn baby from violent husband'
Prosper Ortega suffers series of horrific injuries inflicted by husband over weeks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A mother says she endured weeks of torture and beatings at the hands of her abusive husband, in order to prevent him from leaving with their infant son.
Prosper Ortega had her ribs broken and almost went blind during a series of attacks by Aaron Uchitel at their home in Atlanta, Georgia, according to her mother Fawn.
After the 23-year-old tried to escape from Uchitel through a bedroom window, Ms Ortega was allegedly tied to a bed and had all her hair cut off.
Uchitel then threatened to pull his wife’s teeth out, before stabbing her in the chest and the back of the leg.
The beaten woman told authorities her husband had drugged her drinks, sexually assaulted her and beat her for two days.
However, she said she refused to leave the property in an effort to protect her weeks-old baby, Ari, from further harm.
Ms Ortega remains in hospital in a serious condition, while Uchitel has been arrested and charged with aggravated battery and false imprisonment.
Uchitel has reportedly confessed to hitting his wife “a couple of times” to police, according to MailOnline.
Fawn Ortega reportedly saved her daughter, after becoming concerned Uchitel was isolating her in the couple’s home.
She was not allowed in but admitted to “fighting” and “pushing” him in order to get access to her daughter, who had been beaten to the point of unconsciousness.
The victim’s family has created a GoFundMe page to raise money for Ms Ortega's hospital bills and money to help raise her son.
In three days the fund has raised over $82,000 of the $100,000 goal that will help pay for the medical treatment she will require for her numerous injuries.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments