LONG BEACH, Calif. – A California father and his wife have been formally charged with the torture and murder of his 14-month-old daughter following a police investigation that uncovered evidence of prolonged physical abuse, authorities announced Thursday.
Alfredo Munoz Jr., 29, and Kelly Anelalani Munoz, 31, both of Long Beach, each face one count of murder, one count of torture, and one count of assault on a child causing death in connection with the death of Munoz Jr.’s biological daughter.
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The child was rushed to Miller Children’s Hospital in Long Beach on November 7 in critical condition and placed on life support. Despite aggressive medical intervention, she died three days later on November 10 from what investigators described as catastrophic injuries consistent with repeated abuse.
Detectives with the Long Beach Police Department’s Homicide and Child Abuse Detail determined the toddler had been subjected to ongoing physical abuse at the hands of her father and stepmother in the weeks and months leading up to her death.
“The level of brutality inflicted on this defenseless little girl is unimaginable,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. “This case underscores the absolute duty every adult has to protect children, and when that duty is betrayed in the most horrific way, my office will pursue the maximum penalty allowed under the law.”
Both suspects were arrested on November 24 and remain in custody on $3 million bail each. If convicted on all counts, Alfredo and Kelly Munoz face a maximum sentence of 32 years to life in state prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Brian Rosenberg of the DA’s Family Violence Division, Complex Child Abuse Section.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Long Beach Police Homicide Detectives at (562) 570-7244.