IndyStar.com Metro & State

12:56 PM July 6, 2007


Charges delayed for suspect in child's death

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By Jon Murray
jon.murray@indystar.com

A man accused of killing a 2-year-old girl had his first hearing this morning in Marion Superior Court.


The arraignment of Lazaro Xique-Cuatle, 31, was delayed until Tuesday to give prosecutors more time to file charges, but he is being held in jail without bond on a preliminary count of murder.

Vanessa Cervantes Galicia was struck repeatedly on the head Monday while she was being watched by a babysitter, Elena Cuatle-Cuatl, 18, at a Far-Northside apartment. The girl's mother took her to St. Vincent Hospital, and the toddler died later that night. An autopsy determined she died of blunt force trauma.

Police said the babysitter is Xique-Cuatle's girlfriend. She told police she saw Xique-Cuatle "beating Vanessa in the head with his fist" after hearing the girl cry out from a bedroom.

During this morning's brief hearing, a Spanish translator assisted Xique-Cuatle while Commissioner Jeffrey Marchal advised him of his rights.

A few of Vanessa's relatives attended, including her mother, Nayeli Galicia.

"She's very distressed at this time still," said Elsa Villa, a representative of the Mexican consulate who attended with the family.


Call Star reporter Jon Murray at (317) 444-2752.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a ... L/70706035
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