The Prosecutor of the Unit of Persons and Guarantees number 3 He reported the facts during the trial hearing.
That morning, the child’s mother left him alone at home to go to his work. This after agreeing with the now sentenced, Santiago David Av, that would take care of the child in his absence. However, shortly after, the accused He contacted the mother to inform her that the child was “dirty.” She asked him to clean him. Minutes later, he received an alarming message: the defendant said that the niño “He fell”, who had Hands on the faceand that, after accommodating it in the crib, it did not react. Both agreed to meet to take it to a medical center.
A brutal crime exposed
The little one was transferred to San Francisco Hospitalbut it arrived without vital signs. Doctors tried to revive him for more than 20 minuteswithout success. The report of the Medical-Legal Autopsy determined that the cause of death was Polytrauma provoked For a object overwhelming. Confirming that the injuries were lowest shortly before death. In addition, one Exhumation expertise revealed injuries in the intimate parts of the child, suggesting a possible episode of abuse sexual. The presence of P30 protein —A biological fluid of the sentenced– In the pants of the minor he reinforced this hypothesis.
The investigation also included a DNA expertise which identified the genetic profile of the niño In the garments of sentenced. This consolidated the direct relationship between SANTIAGO DAVID AV and the crime. During the trial, the prosecutor presented additional evidence that evidenced a history of abuse Towards him smaller. Among them, the transcripts of voice message sent by the mother to Processing. In these they were heard insults and screams directed to the child, reflecting an environment of violence.
Judicial consequences and new investigations
He Criminal Guarantees Court He did not hesitate to impose the maximum aggravated penalty against Santiago David Av them considered the severity of the crime and the vulnerability of the victim In the environment of sentenced. others, the judges ordered the opening of a new investigation for a possible crime of rape against him smaller. For this they were based on the injuries found and biological tests. This process will seek to determine if the abuse sexual It was an additional factor in the crime.
The mother of niñoalso linked to the case, is fugitive With one order of capture current. His role in fact is under scrutiny, especially for having left the child under the care of the sentenced. This despite the previous abuse signals. Likewise, the Court ordered to initiate a case for homicide culpable Against the infant’s father. The accusation is for alleged omissions and negligence in the care of littlewhich could have contributed to the tragedy.
Context of Child Violence in Ecuador
The death of this niño adds to the alarming statistics of child violence in Ecuador. According to him National Statistics and Census Institute (INEC)in 2023they were recorded 1,234 cases of Maltrate Infant in the country, of which 15% They resulted in fatal outcomes. Organizations like UNICEF Ecuador have warned that domestic violence It remains one of the main causes of death in children under 5 years, with Manabí y Guayas Among the most affected provinces. (27)
