Mother and Boyfriend Charged After Boy Killed on Fourth Birthday
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}November 27, 2011: This photo shows Cesar Ruiz and Crystal Valdez, who are accused in the murder of Valdez's son Christopher, who was killed on his fourth birthday. (MyFoxChicago.com)
A Chicago mother and her boyfriend were charged Sunday in connection with the beating death of her four-year-old son on his birthday.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's office said Christopher Valdez died Friday afternoon from multiple blunt force injuries and ruled his death a homicide, the Chicago Tribune reported.
The boy's mother, 28-year-old Crystal Valdez, was charged with concealment of a homicide and child endangerment resulting in a death.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Valdez's live-in boyfriend, 34-year-old Cesar Ruiz, was charged with one count each of first degree murder and concealment of a homicide, police said. He was also wanted for an outstanding warrant for having a suspended/revoked license.
Both are expected to appear in Central Bond Court on Monday.
The child's grandfather, Tom Valdez, said relatives brought a birthday cake to the boy's home Friday in anticipation of a birthday party. Initially, no one answered the door until they pounded on it, he recalled.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}When they got inside, they found Christopher dead and called police.
Officials who arrived on the scene said the boy was dead for several hours before authorities were contacted.
A Saturday autopsy determined Christopher died from multiple blunt force injuries and child abuse, and the death was ruled a homicide.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Newscore contributed to this report.