Mom Accused of Cutting 1-Year-Old Daughter

A Dallas mother was arrested Monday morning on suspicion of cutting her 1-year-old daughter on her throat.

Police said Danielle Busby called 911 and told operators she had cut her child.

When officers arrived at the home in the 10900 block of Marchant Circle at about 6:30 a.m., they found 1-year-old Moriah Busby had been cut with a knife.

The child was transported to Children's Medical Center, where she underwent surgery and was in intensive care Monday night. Doctors put the girl into a medically induced coma to give her body a chance to heal.

"I'm sure that her mind is tormented, because she is the one who actually called the police after it happened," said Rhonda Choice, Busby's sister. "And I just can't imagine what's all going through her head right now."

Busby's family said she is a diagnosed schizophrenic who has been on and off her medications.

"If you look for the signs, you really can't prevent it, you know, not on your own, not just family alone," said Annette Choice, Busby's mother. "You need intervention."

Police previously were called to the Lake Highlands home about Busby's mental health. The first call dates back to 2003.

Last week, Busby's sister called police over fears that Busby could hurt herself or her daughter. The responding Dallas police officers determined that Busby and her daughter did not appear to be in any immediate danger.

"All I can go by is that the officers who went to out to the scene ... they did determine that there was nothing they could do about what was going on because apparently, at that time, there was not something going on that the officers could take any action on," Deputy Chief Sherryl Scott said.

Scott said the officers told a family member to contact Child Protective Services if there were fears about the child's safety.

"I blame the authorities that didn't respond immediately with this," Choice said. "And we are to blame, right now. We are to blame -- the family is to blame."

Police were also called to the Lake Highlands home last summer. Police said Busby was running down the street, wearing only underwear.

Busby, 32, is charged with injury to a child. She is currently being held at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center on $150,000 bail.

Her family said she attended Southern Methodist University and is a former missionary and a math tutor.

Choice said she is asking for prayers for both her daughter and granddaughter.

"I love her," she said. "I am praying for her, and I know she will get better. Hopefully, she'll be back with her baby as much as possible."

A judge awarded Child Protective Services emergency custody of Moriah Busby on Tuesday. She will be placed in foster care.

Danielle Busby's aunt, Jannette Swinton, said the family is also trying to obtain custody of the girl.

A hearing is scheduled for April 10.

NBC 5's Ellen Goldberg, Randy McIlwain, Keaton Fox, Ben Russell and Frank Heinz contributed to this report.