Minnesota – In a disturbing case in Minnesota, two caregivers have been charged with second-degree murder following the death of a 3-year-old boy, Eastyn, who was reportedly beaten to death. The tragic event has sent shockwaves through the community, leading to a swift police investigation and subsequent arrests.
On March 18, 2024, officers, along with emergency medical personnel, were dispatched to an apartment after receiving a distressing call about a child who was not breathing. Upon their arrival, the first responders discovered Eastyn, who was visibly injured and in critical condition. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts, Eastyn was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to the hospital. The caregivers, 24-year-old R. Garza and 22-year-old S. Erickson, were identified as acquaintances of Eastyn’s biological parents and had been looking after Eastyn and his younger sibling for an extended period. Following the incident, Garza and Erickson were taken into custody without incident, each facing a charge of second-degree murder without intent.
The medical examination of Eastyn revealed a tragic end suffered by the young boy. The medical examiner determined that the cause of death was a blunt-force injury that ruptured his bowel. In addition to this fatal injury, Eastyn had sustained 28 other blunt force injuries across his body, painting a grim picture of the violence he endured. The mother of the children informed the police that she had not seen her children for approximately two weeks. During her last encounter with them, she attributed Eastyn’s injuries to his lack of coordination. She had communicated with Eastyn a few hours before his death, during which he seemed unwell but stable, according to her statement.
The circumstances leading to Eastyn’s injuries came under scrutiny when a witness, called to the apartment late at night to care for the children, recounted the child’s deteriorating condition just hours before his death. According to her statement, Eastyn was visibly ill and became unresponsive shortly after asking for water, which raised immediate concerns about the caregivers’ account of the events leading to his injuries. Garza and Erickson allegedly explained the injuries on Eastyn’s face by saying he had fainted while being sick over the toilet, causing him to hit his head. They also suggested that his injuries could have been from falling off his bike the previous day. Erickson also alleged that while Garza had been abusive towards her before, she had never witnessed her being violent towards Eastyn. Further complicating the caregivers’ narrative, text messages extracted from their phones revealed a disturbing disregard for Eastyn’s wellbeing, with one message indicating a nonchalant attitude towards the abuse. According to reports, a text message sent by Erickson to Garza on March 17, the day Eastyn suffered his fatal injuries, read: “Ok have fun with your little b—-. Go beat on her kid.”
This evidence played a crucial role in shaping the police’s understanding of the events that led to Eastyn’s tragic death. Currently, Garza and Erickson are being detained without bond in jail, with their initial court appearances scheduled for Tuesday. The arrests of Garza and Erickson have prompted a broader discussion about child safety and the responsibilities of caregivers. As the legal proceedings commence, with both defendants held without bond, the community and Eastyn’s family await justice. Eastyn’s death not only leaves a void in his family but also serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for protective measures for children and the severe consequences of caregiver negligence or malice.
