The father and stepmother of a 14-month-old girl who police said was fatally tortured in Long Beach pleaded not guilty Tuesday to murder and other counts.
Alfredo Muñoz Jr., 40, and Kelly Muñoz, 34, both of Long Beach, were also charged with one count each of torture and assault on a child causing death, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The girl’s father is also facing an allegation that he has a prior conviction from 2000 for assault with a deadly weapon.
Long Beach police said officers initially responded to a hospital Nov. 7 due to reports of child abuse involving a toddler. Later that day, detectives were told by hospital staff that the girl was on life support and had no chance of survival, according to police.
The child — whose name was not released due to her age — died Nov. 10, police said.
“Through their continued investigation, homicide detectives determined there had been ongoing abuse to the child and the victim’s death was a result of abuse from her father and stepmother,” according to a police statement.
The two — who were arrested Nov. 25 by Long Beach police — were ordered to be held without bail while awaiting their next court appearance Feb. 25.
I just don’t understand what maniacs get in hurting babies and kids. Sadly, there are so many wicked humans in this world. I’m beyond baffled…sigh