Baldwin Park Child Allegedly Killed by Father Suffered an Injury Last Year

Sheriff's officials say the 21-month-old boy allegedly killed by his father suffered a leg injury about a year ago that was investigated by the Department of Children and Family Services.

David Vazquez, 32, was booked on suspicion of murder in the death of Joshua Vazquez and held on $1 million bail, Sgt. Diane Hecht of the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau said.

The boy was declared dead about 11 a.m. Wednesday at a hospital, and Baldwin Park police detectives went to the family's home in the 3700 block of Downing Avenue about 1:30 p.m. to question the family, Deputy Mark Pope said.

Sheriff's officials said homicide detectives are investigating a call involving the same family about a year ago.

"The then-infant boy sustained a leg injury that was investigated by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services,'' said Deputy Kim Manatt. "That incident is also under investigation by homicide detectives.''

During an autopsy performed by the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner, doctors "ruled it is a homicide, caused by blunt force trauma to torso and head," reported the SGV Tribune. 

"Visually, the child had injuries to his torso, including the side of the torso, and the head," Detective Ed Brown told the newspaper. 

- With information from City News Service