Abuse Girl, 2, Dies; Murder Count Asked
A 2-year-old West Covina girl died Monday, three days after being hospitalized in what one veteran officer described as the worst case of child abuse he has ever seen.
The child’s mother, Martha Araceli Alspuro, 25, and her live-in boyfriend, Hector Ubaldo Soto, 25, had been arrested Saturday and booked on charges of attempted murder, child beating, sexual perversion and sodomy, after doctors concluded that the child showed signs of abuse. Authorities Monday said they now plan to seek murder charges against the pair.
Paramedics received a call that the toddler had stopped breathing Friday evening and rushed the child from the couple’s home to Queen of the Valley Hospital. Attendants revived the girl and kept her alive on a life-support system.
“I’ve been here 19 years, and I can’t think of any worse case,” said Police Lt. Lee Rossman.
The couple is expected to be arraigned today in Citrus Municipal Court.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
