Autopsy reveals Reno infant died of inflicted head trauma
By Jaclyn O'Malley • jomalley@rgj.com • February 25, 2010

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A 7-week-old baby who police said died at the hands of his 30-year-old mother suffered severe burns on his torso and genitals, and died of inflicted head trauma, according to court records.


Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have also placed a hold on Josela Posada, who is suspected of being in the country illegally from El Salvador.

Posada was arrested Tuesday night following her third interview with police since her infant, Kristopher Posada, died Feb. 13. The boy died in his crib while his mother and 1-year-old sister slept nearby. The family lived together at Riverwood Apartments on Kuenzli Street, where Posada also worked as a housekeeper.


Posada was booked into the Washoe County Jail on suspicion of murder and child abuse causing substantial bodily harm and remains without bail.


An autopsy revealed the boy died of inflicted head trauma, and had brain injuries similar to what experts say are related to shaking a child, records show. He had injuries in various stages of healing, from days to weeks. Kristopher suffered broken ribs, and first and second-degree burns to his torso and genitals.


During earlier interviews with police, Posada blamed the burns on “diaper rashâ€