Willimantic man charged in toddler’s death is illegal alien, prosecutors say

Posted Nov 25, 2011 @ 11:31 PM

Danielson, Conn. — A Willimantic man charged with beating to death his girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter is in the U.S. illegally and had assaulted the toddler at least twice before the fatal beating, a state prosecutor said Friday.

Fredy Alexander Chinigo Riz, 23, appeared in Danielson Superior Court Friday to face charges that include first-degree manslaughter and first-degree assault in the death of Athena Angeles, 3. Chinigo Riz is a Guatemalan national who has been living and working illegally in the U.S. for the past six years, Bail Commissioner Amy Brennan said. He has no known prior criminal record.

Angeles died Wednesday at Windham Hospital, where she was being treated for cardiac arrest.

Assistant State’s Attorney Edward Azzaro said the girl’s injuries were severe and included internal and external injuries to her abdomen, lacerations to her liver, fractured ribs and numerous contusions.

“It’s alleged the defendant beat this victim to death,â€