The adoptive parents of a 10-year-old boy have been charged with murder, torture and child abuse after the child died at a hospital in “medical distress,” authorities say.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the 13000 block of Malibu Court in Moreno Valley shortly before 6:30 p.m. Thursday on a report of a juvenile needing medical aid.
Upon arriving at the scene, the deputies located a 10-year-old boy “in medical distress” who was transported to a hospital by paramedics.
“The deputy’s initial investigation revealed signs of possible neglect and abuse,” RSO said.
Several hours after being taken to the hospital, the boy’s health declined, and he eventually died, deputies said. His exact cause of death was not stated and his identity will not be disclosed.
A joint investigation between RSO’s Central Homicide Unit and Special Victims Unit led to the arrests of the juvenile’s adoptive parents: 59-year-old Juan Sanchez Moreno and 51-year-old Alejandra Marin.
Moreno and Marin, both residents of Moreno Valley, were charged with murder, torture and child abuse.
Inmate search records for Marin indicate she was booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center with no bail. Her first court date is set for Tuesday morning.
No inmate search records for Moreno were immediately available.
Anyone with information that can aid the ongoing investigation is asked to contact RSO Central Homicide Investigator S. Denham or Master Investigator R. Deanne by calling 951-955-2777.
