At least one person is facing charges in the death of a 4-year-old boy who was brought to the hospital in an unresponsive state in August, and cell phone video has led to new evidence in the case against the boy’s father.
Brandon Cervera, 28, was arrested Thursday on a charge of injury to a child causing death, KSAT reports. The child, whose name has not been released, was taken by another relative to a San Antonio hospital in August. Upon arrival, the boy was reportedly unresponsive and had multiple bruises on his body. Hospital staff contacted authorities, and Cervera reportedly claimed to police that his son caused his own injuries.
But the child was malnourished and underweight, and a medical examiner determined that he died of starvation, KSAT reports. Video evidence found on a cell phone or multiple phones supported the starvation determination and showed that the boy suffered horribly before his death.
According to the report, the boy is seen begging for food and water, and forced to drink hand sanitizer. A search of the home found locks on the refrigerator and cabinet doors.
After the child’s death in August, a family member launched a GoFundMe campaign with Cervera as the beneficiary.
Police reportedly have a second suspect in the case, but so far only Cervera has been arrested. CrimeOnline will provide further updates when more information is available.
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