Florida couple accused of trying to light baby on fire plead guilty

WATERLOO, N.Y. (WHAM) — A man and a woman from Florida accused oftrying to light their 1-year-old baby on fireat a truck stop in New York last year have pleaded guilty.

Lisbeth Collado and Jamie Avery both pleaded guilty to attempted assault, though Avery then filed a motion to withdraw his plea, according to Seneca County District Attorney Mark Sinkiewicz.

Avery was a truck driver, and the family was heading west on the Thruway when they stopped at a truck stop on Route 414 in Tyre on May 3, 2022, according to Sinkiewicz.

Deputies responded to a report of several fires at the plaza. Authorities found the child covered in a flammable liquid. They found a second child, a 4-year-old, with head injuries, abandoned in a tractor-trailer. Both children were expected to make a full recovery. Sinkiewicz said it was unclear what led to the incident.

Avery and Collado, who lived in West Palm Beach, Florida, were both charged with attempted aggravated murder, attempted murder, arson, attempted arson and attempted assault.

A hearing has been set to determine whether Avery has grounds to withdraw his plea.Both suspects remain in custody until the hearing and/or sentencing, according to Sinkiewicz.