SMPD Seeking Additional Information in Child Abuse Investigation
May 7, 2026 3:29 PM
Santa Monica, CA— On April 7, 2026, Santa Monica Police Department detectives responded to a Los Angeles area hospital regarding a suspected child abuse case involving an infant.
During the investigation, detectives learned that the infant was allegedly physically abused by Carolina Cobian, 65, of Simi Valley, while she was employed as the child’s nanny.
On April 15, 2026, SMPD officers located and arrested Cobian. She was booked at the Santa Monica Jail on felony child abuse charges and later released on bail.
The victim was evaluated by medical personnel, and no life threatening injuries were reported. The victim is no longer in the suspect’s care.
On April 24, 2026, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed one felony count of child endangerment, PC 273a(a). Cobian remains out of custody on bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on May 28, 2026, at the Airport Courthouse.
Because this case involves a minor and remains under investigation, SMPD is limiting the release of additional details to protect the child’s privacy and preserve the integrity of the investigation
SMPD is continuing to investigate and is seeking to determine whether there are any additional victims or witnesses. Anyone with information related to this case, or any family who previously employed Cobian and has concerns about their child’s care, is encouraged to contact Detective Lizette Hardgrave at Lizette.Hardgrave@santamonica.gov or Detective Sergeant George Burciaga at George.Burciaga@santamonica.gov.
