A 5-year-old autistic boy is critically injured and hospitalized following severe abuse inflicted by his mother’s boyfriend in North Miami Beach. The child, who is currently on a ventilator, was admitted to Jackson North Medical Center after authorities responded to an emergency call regarding a child in cardiac arrest.
According to local law enforcement, Daniel Eduardo Romero, 34, faces multiple charges, including aggravated child abuse causing great bodily harm, child neglect with great bodily harm, and providing false information to law enforcement. The incident occurred last Friday at a residence located in the 1400 block of Northeast 179th Street.
Upon arrival, officers found the boy without a detectable pulse. After administering CPR, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews were able to restore a pulse, and the child was subsequently taken to the hospital, accompanied by his mother. Initial reports indicated that Romero claimed the boy’s injuries were the result of a bicycle accident, but inconsistencies in his statements prompted further investigation.
Details of the Incident Emerge
As the investigation progressed, authorities uncovered that Romero had attempted to obscure the truth of the situation. He allegedly instructed the boy’s mother to inform hospital staff that the injuries were from a fall off a bike. Medical personnel at Holtz Children’s Hospital later assessed the child and found severe internal injuries, including bleeding in the brain and abdominal cavity, as well as lacerations to the liver, kidney, and spleen. Medical professionals indicated that the injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma rather than accidental causes.
Initially, the mother supported Romero’s fabricated explanation. However, she later changed her statement, admitting she noticed significant swelling and minor bleeding on her son’s head, along with several other unexplained injuries. Reports indicate that Romero often expressed irritation towards the child due to his autistic behaviors, which included rocking and making noise.
The mother disclosed that while Romero is not the biological father of the victim, he shares two children with her. Additionally, there were indications of previous unreported domestic violence incidents involving Romero and the boy’s biological father, as revealed by local news outlets.
Legal Proceedings and Current Condition
Following his arrest, Romero chose not to speak with detectives. As of this morning, he remains in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without bond. The young boy continues to be hospitalized and is in an unstable condition, prompting concerns for his recovery.
As the authorities continue their investigation, the case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding child abuse and the imperative need for community vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
