wwltv.com
Posted on May 22, 2013 at 12:59 PM
Updated today at 1:04 PM


CUT OFF, La. – An illegal immigrant was charged with second degree murder in relation to the death of his girlfriend’s 20-month-old son, according to the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Emmanuel Hernandez, 24, was living with his girlfriend and her son, Emmanuel Gonzales, in Cut Off when it was discovered that the child was having trouble breathing, the LPSO said.

Gonzales was transported to the local hospital on May 15 and was subsequently transferred to the Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, deputies said.

On Friday, a hospital worker contacted the sheriff’s office to report that the child had stopped breathing and his injuries and ailments were consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome, according to the LPSO. Gonzales was removed from life support that weekend.

During Gonzales’ hospital stay, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents determined that Hernandez was a Mexican National and did not have legal residency in the United States. Agents then detained him, deputies said.

During the investigation into Gonzales’ death, the sheriff’s office obtained a warrant for Hernandez in relation to the incident.

Hernandez was transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center on Tuesday.

Judge F. Hugh Larose set his bond at $1 million.

The investigation in the case is continuing, according to LPSO.

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