Homicide detectives in East Compton were investigating an alleged beating that left a 13-month-old boy hospitalized in extremely critical condition on Monday.
Deputies were first called around 4:25 p.m. on Sunday to a home in the 14900 block of South Atlantic Avenue, part of an unincorporated area known as East Rancho Dominguez, to investigate a report of a child who was not breathing, according to a news release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
When the deputies arrived they discovered the child had several visible injuries to his body, the release stated.
The toddler was transported to a local hospital where doctors stated he had sustained significant internal injuries.
Detectives interviewed the child’s mother and her boyfriend, 22-year-old Rodrigo Hernandez, who both live with the child and three other children at the home, the release stated.
Hernandez allegedly admitted striking the boy.
“He admitted to hitting the 13-month-old baby multiple times earlier in the day,” said Lt. Steve Jauch with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Hernandez was arrested on suspicion of child abuse likely to cause great bodily injury, the release stated.
He was being held on $100,000 bail.
Detectives returned to the home on Monday to gather evidence.
The mother was not under arrest and was at the hospital with her son, Jauch said
She has three other daughters who range in age from 5 to 9 years old. They were placed in the care of relatives, according to Jauch.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.