A heartbreaking case out of Georgia has resulted in murder and child cruelty charges against an 18-year-old mother and her 22-year-old live-in boyfriend following the death of her 2-year-old son.
Authorities in Canton, Georgia, say they were called to a home in the 300 block of Cartersville Street on August 3 after receiving a report about an unresponsive 2-year-old boy.
Officers arrived and immediately began rendering aid before the child was rushed to a local hospital. Sadly, the toddler was later pronounced dead.
The investigation quickly focused on Celso Edison Vicente Y Vicente, 22, who police identified as the live-in boyfriend of the child’s mother. Authorities say Vicente was responsible for watching and caring for the toddler on the day of his death.
According to arrest warrant information reported by local media, Vicente allegedly struck the child and severely beat him with his hands and other unknown objects. The disturbing allegations surrounding the child’s injuries have since drawn widespread attention.
The toddler reportedly had bruises covering his body, including one injury that allegedly appeared to resemble a shoe print. Authorities also reportedly documented a fresh open laceration on the top of the child’s head.
Vicente was arrested on the same day police responded to the home and was charged with malice murder and first-degree cruelty to children. He remains accused in connection with the child’s death, though the allegations against him have not been proven in court.
More than two weeks later, investigators announced a second arrest in the case.
The child’s mother, Devorah Diaz Perez, 18, was taken into custody after detectives determined there was probable cause to charge her in connection with her son’s death. Perez is facing second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree cruelty to children, and three counts of reckless conduct.
Police have not publicly released all of the evidence that led investigators to charge Perez alongside her boyfriend. Because the case involves the death of a young child and criminal charges remain pending, authorities have limited the details being released to the public.
Canton Police Chief Marty Ferrell said investigators remain committed to conducting a thorough investigation as the case moves through the criminal justice system. Authorities have also confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to determine the child’s official cause and manner of death through an autopsy, according to reports.
The tragic case has left many people asking how a child could allegedly suffer such severe injuries without someone stepping in sooner. For now, both Perez and Vicente are facing serious charges as investigators continue working to determine exactly what happened inside the Canton home.
As the case develops, more information could be released by the Canton Police Department and prosecutors. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
This is a developing story. StreetAddictz will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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