Florida – In a deeply disturbing case out of Florida, a 6-year-old nonverbal boy has died nearly two months after suffering catastrophic injuries that prosecutors say were the result of a brutal beating at the hands of his mother’s 34-year-old boyfriend, identified as D. Romero, followed by lies meant to cover it up. Authorities have confirmed that Romero and the victim’s 32-year-old mother, identified as C. Hernandez, now face additional charges following the death of Hernandez’s son. The couple had previously been arrested on child abuse and neglect charges after the boy was hospitalized in critical condition in January. Now, with the child’s death, prosecutors are reviewing upgraded charges as the case shifts from severe abuse to homicide.
On January 9, the 6-year-old was rushed to a hospital after losing consciousness. According to the police department, the boy had been in cardiac arrest when first responders arrived. Doctors discovered a horrifying pattern of injuries: bruises across his face and back, swelling on his head, a fractured arm, and severe internal trauma. Medical staff identified bleeding in his brain, along with lacerations to his kidney, spleen, and liver. The injuries were consistent with repeated, forceful blows. Investigators later determined that the young boy had not been taken to the hospital until a full day after the alleged assault.
Romero initially told police the injuries were the result of the boy falling from a bicycle while he was teaching him to ride. But when officers asked to see the bicycle, Romero could not produce one. He then changed his story, claiming the injuries happened while they were playing on a wagon. Police noted that the wagon had a broken wheel and appeared unused for some time. Authorities say Romero also claimed he did not immediately seek medical help because he did not understand how serious the injuries were. The following day, when the 6-year-old boy became unresponsive, 911 was finally called.
Two days later, on January 11, Romero was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse causing great bodily harm, child neglect resulting in great bodily harm, and providing false information to law enforcement. He was held without bond. Public records show Romero had a history of prior arrests involving battery and domestic violence, including strangulation, dating back nearly a decade.
When questioned, Hernandez initially repeated Romero’s account about the bicycle fall. But under further investigation, she admitted that Romero had told her to stick to that story. She also acknowledged fearing that her boyfriend had caused the injuries. Hernandez told investigators that Romero often became frustrated with the her son due to behaviors related to the child’s autism diagnosis.
Two weeks later, Hernandez turned herself in. She was charged with child neglect resulting in great bodily harm, failure to report child abuse or neglect, and providing false information to law enforcement. She posted an $11,500 bond and was released the following day. Her attorney later described her as a “victim,” stating, “We are extremely disappointed that the police department has decided to arrest and press charges against a mother who is nothing more than a victim.”
The victim remained hospitalized in a medically induced coma for weeks. Despite intensive care efforts, his condition never improved. On February 27, doctors removed him from life support. He died shortly after, according to family members. With his passing, authorities began evaluating upgraded charges. It remains unclear whether Romero will now formally face murder charges, but law enforcement confirmed the investigation is ongoing. The death of the boy — a vulnerable child unable to speak for himself — has shaken the community. What was first described as a fall from a bike now stands revealed, investigators say, as something far more violent. And as the legal process moves forward, the question at the center remains painfully clear: how did a child endure such suffering before the truth finally came to light?
