A 23-year-old Indiana mother and a juvenile have been charged in the “very disturbing” death of her 4-year-old daughter, who was discovered with human bite marks on her arm.
Destiny F. Rhoades and 16-year-old Christian T. Gonzalez, with whom she claimed to be in a relationship, both face criminal charges in connection with Octavia Aquino’s death.
Officers responded about 9 a.m. on June 14, after receiving allegations from Rhoades’ roommate, who discovered the youngster “unresponsive” in their apartment. The child was allegedly “cold to the touch.”
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She was taken to the hospital alive, but with “very little brain activity.” However, in a Sunday update, authorities confirmed the child’s death.
Because the kid died, Rhoades’ original accusation of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious physical injury was amended to neglect of a dependent resulting in death, a level one felony. Gonzalez’s original accusation of battery with serious bodily injury was elevated to murder.
According to the original police report, Rhoades was at work when her daughter was discovered.
Rhoades stated that she had left the child napping at 7 a.m. when she departed for work. An adult roommate noted that the girl had bruises on her body, particularly around her neck. She also had a “human bite mark on her forearm,” according to authorities.
Detectives were told that the 16-year-old admitted biting the youngster after she bit him first.
A roommate stated that the youngster appeared to be “staring off and was nauseous” while under Rhoades’ care on June 13. The police report classified the situation as a “very disturbing case.” Detectives had discovered data about occurrences involving Rhoades and her “juvenile boyfriend” since they arrived in Evansville earlier this year. Gonzalez, who was 15 years old at the time, was discovered by cops in February after being reported missing in Fort Wayne, Indiana independent stated.
Because a missing person case is a status offense, cops placed him at Hillcrest Youth Home, but he bolted shortly thereafter.
Officers spotted him again, this time with Rhoades at her home. He was taken to the Youth Care Center and later transported back to Fort Wayne.
Rhoades was arrested at the time for contributing to a minor’s delinquency, which is a category four felony. After being freed from jail, she returned to Fort Wayne until her court hearing on April 11. Gonzalez went missing again, at the same time Rhoades arrived to Evansville for his court appearance.