The father of a two-month-old baby who sustained a fractured skull and brain injuries during a violent daylight home invasion in Alice Springs has expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support his family has received from the community.
One week after the attack, which prompted an emergency visit from the Northern Territory Chief Minister due to rising violent crime in the region, over $52,000 has been raised for the Siguenza family through an online fundraiser.
On the weekend, Marlon Siguenza traveled to be with his wife, Nicole, and their youngest daughter, Antonia, who was flown to a hospital in Adelaide in critical condition following the incident.
The attack occurred around 2:30 p.m. last Tuesday, when two teenagers allegedly broke into the Siguenza family’s home in Larapinta. The attackers struck Nicole and baby Antonia with a blunt weapon before stealing a purse and car keys.
Marlon, a father of five, shared his appreciation for the outpouring of support from the community and frontline workers who have helped his family since the incident. “The Titanic couldn’t hold the amount of tears we’ve cried—tears of love, frustration, and gratitude for the support we’ve received,” he said.
The fundraiser was initiated by local mothers who wanted to help, and it quickly gained momentum. In addition, a bake sale was held in Alice Springs over the weekend to raise extra funds for the family.
A Little Fighter
Marlon Siguenza shared that his daughter Antonia has been suffering seizures as a result of the attack, though she had not experienced any since late Friday. “She’s definitely a little fighter,” he said. “The fracture to her skull has caused some damage, but the neurosurgeon is hopeful that, given her young age and size, she will recover well.”
Although the positive prognosis is a relief, Marlon cautioned that Antonia is still not out of danger. “She smiled and responded to sounds on Sunday, which was amazing to see. Everyone in the room felt it,” he said. “She’s improving, but we still have a long way to go.”
No Plans to Leave Alice Springs
In the wake of several violent incidents in Alice Springs, including home invasions, car thefts, an attempted child abduction, and a report of a woman being assaulted in her home, local residents have expressed growing concern about their safety.
To address the issue, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro announced plans to deploy additional police officers to Alice Springs and set up a fugitive task force to target high-risk offenders. Despite the increasing crime, Marlon Siguenza stated that he and his family have no plans to leave Alice Springs.
“It’s a beautiful place, like no other,” he said. “The Red Centre has a unique way of capturing your heart, with its stunning natural beauty. But it’s the people that make it special. Our situation, while unfortunate, is a testament to the kindness and support we’ve received from this community.”
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