LOS ANGELES (AP) The mother of a 2-year-old boy who died of
injuries from a beating has been charged with his murder, as well
as torturing him last month.
Claudia Liseth Merlos, 19, allegedly beat her son over a week
until her roommate called paramedics on Tuesday. The toddler, Ivan,
died Wednesday at a hospital.
Merlos, of the Canoga Park area, faces one count each of murder,
torture and child abuse causing death. Her arraignment was
postponed Thursday to Oct. 21.
She was held on $500,000 bail, though prosecutors recommended
that it be doubled.
The county family services department is investigating the case.
Marina Divas, Merlos' roommate, said the mother had previously
slapped Ivan, struck him with a belt and sometimes flung him
against a wall.
The toddler died of injuries including massive internal
bleeding, authorities said.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)