Decades-long Fugitive Captured: Mother Accused of Torturing Daughter Arrested in Hayward

HAYWARD — A fugitive mother wanted for allegedly torturing her daughter decades ago is imprisoned at the Alameda County Santa Rita Jail. Greisy C. Valencia, 70, of Whittier, was recently detained by Hayward police while in Alameda County.

In September 2002, one of Valencia’s three children, an 11-year-old daughter, was found walking the streets of Manteca. The girl sustained a violent beating and extensive burns on her hands.

The girl couldn’t remember her address or phone number. Investigators discovered that she had been bitten, scratched, kicked, and had hair taken from her head. Investigators discovered that the victim was regularly assaulted by her mother. The girl’s older brothers were also abused, though not as severely.

The assault allegedly began seven years ago, when the girl was four years old. Doctors found scars on her hands, cheeks, and back from previous serious injuries. The girl’s injuries were clearly caused by an open flame, lit cigarettes, and a hot iron.

Valencia had dodged police since 2002 when Child Protective Services gained custody of her children. She ceased showing up for work, and her whereabouts were unknown until recently.

New information caused the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office to issue a warrant for Valencia. She was arrested on April 11 around 1:30 p.m. Valencia was charged with torture and causing grievous physical injury. Valencia was denied bail for release and is due to appear for a plea hearing on May 8.