San Francisco, CA –San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that her office secured a conviction of Reneisha Devore (29), and Diana Washington (42), after a trial by jury for mayhem and child endangerment. Ms. Devore was convicted of mayhem (PC 203) and child endangerment (PC 273a(a)). Ms. Washington was convicted of one count of child endangerment (PC 273a(a)).

“I would like to thank the jury for their service in this trial,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “My office will always do everything we can to protect children and hold those who harm them accountable. This case was horrific, and we pray for the victim’s continued healing and progress.”

According to testimony and other evidence presented at trial, on July 25, 2023, at approximately 1:05 p.m., the Victim, a two-year-old little girl, was brought to UCSF Children’s Hospital Mission Bay having suffered second and third degree burns to approximately 50% of her body. Upon medical evaluation, it was determined that the Victim’s wounds were not acute, but rather days old. Because of the severity of her injuries, the Victim was transferred to Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Bothin Burn Center for specialized treatment. She would remain there for the next two months as she underwent multiple surgeries, debridement, and skin grafts that were necessary, in large part, because of the delay in care. While at the Bothin Burn Center, medical professionals determined that the Victim’s injuries were actually older than originally believed to be. Sadly, the Victim’s burn wounds were seven to ten days old which others were more than two weeks old. The delay in care resulted in the burns converting from second to third degree burns ultimately resulting in the Victim’s permanent disfigurement. It was determined at trial that Ms. Devore, the Victim’s mother, was aware of her daughter’s injuries and did nothing to help her. It was also determined that Ms. Washington, the Victim’s babysitter, was also aware of the injuries and did nothing to help her.

The case against Ms. Devore and Ms. Washington was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Melissa Demetral, with assistance from District Attorney Investigators Rich Niven, Lessa Vivian and Shan Johnson, and paralegal Andrew Ong. UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and Saint Francis Bothin Burn Center provided the victim with outstanding medical care that will help the victim heal physically. Prosecutors were able to develop a strong case against Ms. Devore and Ms. Washington because of the outstanding investigation of the San Francisco Police Department’s Special Victims Unit.

“The conduct in this case was particularly deplorable and heinous not just because of the injuries, but because it was an act committed by a mother against her child,” said Assistant District Attorney Melissa Demetral. “It’s exactly these types of cases where it is imperative we give a voice to the Victim who – given their age – often cannot advocate for themselves. It truly was an honor to be that voice for the Victim in this case. I want to thank each juror for his/her demonstrated patience and careful consideration in rendering a just verdict.”

Ms. Devore and Ms. Washington are both currently in custody pending sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for February 4, 2025.

If you or a loved one is in need of support, please seek help. In an emergency call 9-1-1 for help.

California law protects children by requiring that a wide range of professionals, “mandated reporters,” immediately report child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. Mandated reporters are required by law to report any abuse or neglect that they ‘reasonably suspect’ to have taken place.

Mandated reporters should call the San Francisco Human Services Agency Family and Children’s Services Hotline at: 800.856.5553, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Anyone else can also make a confidential report of suspected child abuse, neglect, or exploitation through this hotline. Be prepared to provide, if known, the child’s name, address, approximate age, and situation by calling 800.856.5553, 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you suspect a child is being harmed. If you believe a child is in immediate date, please call 9-1-1.

If you see something, say something.

Court Numbers:
Devore, 23011544
Washington, 23016238