PHOENIX – A man suspected of brutally beating two boys with a baseball bat at a Phoenix park has been charged with first-degree murder.
The Maricopa County attorney's office also charged Joe Sauceda Gallegos on Monday with child abuse and dangerous crimes against children. A court appearance is scheduled Tuesday. Prosecutors have not said whether they will seek the death penalty.
Ten-year-old Edwin Pellecier and 7-year-old Jesse Ramirez died Friday after being beaten Dec. 23. Police have said the suspect apparently followed the cousins when they went to the park to play.
Gallegos remains jailed on $1 million bail. Court records don't list an attorney.
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