I am not claiming this is typical of Hispanic immigrant behavior, although the risk of a crazed attack by a PCP using father is higher in the barrio than it is in Greenwich, Connecticut, or Anchorage, Alaska. What I am claiming is that the headline is typical of American newspaper writers. Angelow Mendoza, the accused, (immigration status not reported) is called a "Bakersfield Dad" in the headline. But obviously we're not looking at Dwight Yoakum here.

Bakersfield dad accused of biting out son's eye BY STEVE E. SWENSON, Californian staff writer sswenson@bakersfield.com | Friday, May 15 2009 10:27 AM

Last Updated Friday, May 15 2009 04:17 PM

A Bakersfield father is accused of biting out one of the eyes of his small child and similarly mutilating the other eye, leaving the child blind.

After attacking the child, 34-year-old Angel Vidal Mendoza Sr. quickly left his apartment in a wheelchair, entered a backyard of a nearby vacant home and attacked his own legs with an ax, severely injuring himself, Bakersfield police reported.

The child, 4-year-old Angelo Mendoza Jr., later told police, "My daddy ate my eyes."

Doctors at Mercy Hospital said it is unknown whether the child will regain vision in his right eye.

Child Protective Services cannot discuss the case, CPS program director Brian Parnell said. But in cases of serious abuse, the child is taken into protective custody, he said.

Some foster homes have specialized medical training, but more such people are needed, he said.

The boy's mother, Desirae Marie Bermudez, 23, was not present during the incident. There is a $15,000 warrant for her arrest for failing to complete a drug treatment program in late 2008, court documents say.

A search warrant report said the father "was displaying symptoms of being under the influence of PCP."[MORE]