Abused 6-Month-Old Boy Dies

A 6-month-old boy found severely beaten in Ontario this week died Tuesday night, and the boy’s mother faces a charge of assault on a child resulting in death, authorities said.

Martha Castro, 28, of Bell Gardens is accused of fracturing her son’s skull; Ontario police said she also may have sexually abused the infant.

“There have been no other arrests, and no other suspects pinpointed,” said Cpl. Jeff Higbee. “Right now, it’s pretty much coming down to her.”

Robert Castro died after suffering numerous injuries, including broken ribs, according to police and the San Bernardino County coroner’s office.

Police said the boy probably suffered brain damage. The baby also had suffered “extensive sexual abuse,” police said.

Higbee said the baby’s condition was extremely disturbing to officers who were first called to the scene in the 700 block of North Virginia Avenue.

The baby was treated by paramedics after someone at the home of Castro’s boyfriend in Ontario reported that the baby had been injured in a fall. Medical personnel summoned police after seeing the baby’s injuries.

An autopsy is scheduled for later this week, a coroner’s spokeswoman said. Castro is due to be arraigned today in San Bernardino County Superior Court in Rancho Cucamonga.