6 days ago
Woman charged after scuffle with teen at Disney's Magic Kingdom
A woman was arrested and is facing a child abuse charge after being accused of injuring a 17-year-old at Disney's Magic Kingdom in Florida.
According to an Orange County Sheriff's Office arrest affidavit obtained by USA TODAY, the altercation happened while people were preparing to watch a parade outside Cinderella Castle on Monday, July 21.
The teenage victim told deputies that Martha Zapata-Echeverri, 51, placed a hand on her to try and "make space," but she asked the woman "not to touch her." She addressed the woman in Spanish.
The situation escalated when the teen was trying to help another person pass, and Zapata-Echeverri "grabbed her by the arm" and "pulled her to the side," documents stated.
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Teen suffered injuries on arm, officials say
According to the affidavit, Zapata-Echeverri said that she was following her daughter through the front of the crowd for the parade when the teen pushed into her, claiming "it was her spot."
The officer on the scene asked Zapata-Echeverrii about the nail marks on the teenager's arm, but her response was not clear. The teen suffered from a bruise and abrasion on her arm, the affidavit says.
Per the documents, Zapata-Echeverri is a citizen of Spain. During a court appearance on July 22, her attorney said she had been visiting Florida and was scheduled to return home July 23, according to WESH. The judge reduced her bond to $2,500 and barred her from Disney properties, the TV station said.
Disney Magic Kingdom Park is located in Bay Lake, a city about 23 miles from Orlando. USA TODAY contacted Disney on Wednesday, July 23, but has not received a response.
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@
