Brazil boy whose stepfather stuck him with 31 sewing needles leaves hospital

Hospital releases Brazil boy stuck with needles

RIO DE JANEIRO — A hospital in northeastern Brazil has released a toddler who underwent three surgeries to remove 26 sewing needles his stepfather stuck into him.

Ana Neri Hospital spokeswoman Susy Moreno says the 2-year-old was released to his mother Friday.

The child still has five needles in his body. Doctors say they do not pose a danger to his health and may be removed in the future.

The toddler’s stepfather told Globo TV last month he stuck the needles into the child in an attempt to kill him without being discovered, all to spite his wife.

Police have formally accused him and his lover of attempted murder.