Police Say Iowa Kids Jumped From Balcony to Escape Abuse

Two children in Des Moines are, thankfully, ok after being beaten so badly by an in-law last month that they jumped from a second-story window to escape.

30-year-old Rasheena Perry of Des Moines was caring for her 4-year-old and 7-year-old nieces, and a 2-month-old infant on July 11 when the incident happened.

While the two girls were in the bathtub, Perry reportedly started throwing things at them and also hit them. She also allegedly wrapped the shower curtain around one of the children's head. That child then jumped from a second-story balcony. KCCI says the other girl also jumped. Police say the second girl who jumped had multiple bruises, including where she had been choked. Both girls suffered minor injuries when they jumped. The infant was left alone inside the apartment but was not injured.

Des Moines Police were initially called after Perry caught the attention of neighbors when she was running in and out of the apartment bloody and naked. Des Moines Police Sergeant Paul Parizek said, "Things kind of got out of hand inside that house. She had assaulted the children. She had threatened to kill the children."

Perry was charged with a pair of Class D felonies for Child Endangerment Causing Bodily Injury, and an aggravated misdemeanor for Child Endangerment. She's been released awaiting a preliminary hearing on August 9.