The father of a missing California baby has been charged with murder and child abuse in connection with the presumed death of his 3-week-old son, Baki Dewees.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Yusef Dewees, 24, is accused of murdering Baki sometime between May 2 and May 3. As CrimeOnline previously reported, Baki, who was born on April 14, was last seen with his father on May 3, according to what the infant’s grandmother told police.
“Unfortunately, this started off as a missing infant and now it is a death investigation,” Lt. Omar Camacho told The Los Angeles Times on Tuesday. “We’re searching [the landfill] based on where the investigation has taken us, and unfortunately we weren’t able to find anything today.”
Following the disappearance, police arrested the baby’s mother Rosealani Gaoa, 25, in Ogden, Utah. She faces charges of aggravated child abuse, intentional child abuse, and reckless child abuse.
At the time, Gaoa and Dewees had four children. During Gaoa’s arrest, welfare officials took custody of one child due to allegations of abuse.
After Rosealani Gaoa’s arrest, Yusef Dewees reportedly took their three remaining children from Utah to Palmdale. A few days later, he returned to Utah; police arrested him May 7 after he allegedly mislead them about Baki’s disappearance.
On June 5, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that in addition to murder, Yusef Dewees also faces charges of assault on a child causing death and child abuse.
Baki’s body has not been found.
Meanwhile, welfare officials removed the couple’s two other children who were left in California.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the family of this innocent child and extend our support in the face of such senseless violence,” L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón said.
“Child abuse has no place in our society, and such acts of violence are beyond the pale. Children are some of the most vulnerable in our society, and every child is entitled to safety and protection as a human right. We are committed to vigorously seeking justice for the victim and their loved ones.”
If convicted, Dewees could face life in prison.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips should be directed to to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
YDewees remains in custody in Utah, awaiting extradition. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo via Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department]
