BARSTOW, Calif. (KNX) – The parents of a 1-year-old boy in Barstow were arrested Tuesday in connection to their son's death.
On Monday, Pomona officers responded to the Pomona Valley Hospital just before 8:00 p.m. after a child was found dead upon arriving at the hospital.
Detectives noticed the child “sustained injuries consistent with ongoing abuse”, as well as signs of trauma including “lesions, bruising and burn marks.”
Barstow Police told KABC that the burn marks on the baby's body varied in size and shape and "were consistent with a torch lighter found in the family vehicle."
Pomona officers contacted the Barstow Police Department who began investigating the death by going to the child’s home on East Virginia Way, as well as the hospital.
Detectives later learned the boy’s parents, Ricardo Mendez, 27, and Atanita Miller, 24, went to Mendez’s family home in Pomona and when the family members noticed the body in the car.
“Some of Mendez’s family members immediately drove the victim to the Pomona Valley Hospital for treatment,” the Barstow Police Department said. “Ricardo Mendez and Antanita Miller stayed at the family home and did not initially go to the hospital.”
Miller went to the hospital where she was arrested. Mendez fled the house by was found and arrested by Pomona Police.
During a search warrant, police found items they believe were used to assault the child.
Both Mendez and Miller were booked at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. Miller was booked on murder, while Mendez was booked on murder as well as parole violation.
Anyone with any information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Matthew Helms at (760) 255-5132 or at mhelms@barstowca.org.
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