CANTONMENT FLORIDA, Deputies responded to a report of a 3-year-old child in cardiac arrest on March 4, 2026, at a home in the 1900 block of Brentco Road in Cantonment. First responders attempted lifesaving measures before transporting the child to Sacred Heart Children’s Emergency Room, where he was later pronounced dead.
Deputies arriving at the residence reported that the child had numerous visible injuries, including bruises, scratches, and swelling to the abdomen. Investigators also noted that some bruises appeared patterned, with marks resembling shoe prints and straight-line injuries consistent with being struck by a hard object.
An autopsy conducted on March 5 by the medical examiner revealed extensive trauma. Authorities reported the child suffered multiple head injuries, broken ribs including one detached from the spine, a transected pancreas, a broken collarbone, and burn marks consistent with a heated lighter being pressed against the skin. The medical examiner ruled the child’s death a homicide.
On March 6, investigators arrested 28-year-old Samuel Antonio Maldonado Erazo, the child’s uncle, who had been caring for the boy at the time of the incident.
Authorities said the child had been left in Maldonado Erazo’s care after the boy’s mother and aunt were deported several weeks earlier.
During questioning, Maldonado Erazo told deputies the child had been ill the night before and became unresponsive after vomiting at home, prompting him to call 911. Investigators later determined that the injuries were inconsistent with the explanation provided.
Maldonado Erazo was initially charged with negligent manslaughter for failing to seek medical care for the child.
On March 10, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged an immigration detainer against Maldonado Erazo while he remained in the Escambia County Jail.
Later that day, investigators reported that another child told authorities Maldonado Erazo would become angry and whip the children with a wire, according to the sheriff’s office report.
Following additional interviews and investigative findings, authorities upgraded the charge against Maldonado Erazo to first-degree felony murder.
Maldonado Erazo remains in custody at the Escambia County Jail without bond as the investigation continues.
