A Compton man who was arrested last month for allegedly beating his girlfriend's 13-month-old son has been charged with murder after the child died from his injuries, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Rodrigo Hernandez, 22, was charged with one count each of murder and assault on a child causing death after the boy, who had become comatose after the attack, died June 26, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Hernandez pleaded not guilty Tuesday and his bail was set at $2.03 million. If convicted, prosecutors say he faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison.
Hernandez was originally charged with attempted murder and assault on a child becoming comatose after allegedly beating the toddler while his mother was in another room of their apartment on June 7, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Family members noticed the child acting strangely and paramedics were called when he began to have seizures and develop bruises. The child was taken to a Long Beach hospital where it was determined that he had sustained significant internal injuries and was listed in extremely critical condition.
Hernandez had lived in the apartment with his girlfriend and her four children since December. The children's biological father is in prison, according to their grandfather.
Hernandez is scheduled to appear in court next on July 22.
