Near Fatality

Death/Near Death: 
Near Death of a Child from Maltreatment
Preliminary Report Post Date: 
10/02/2008
The name, age and city, town or general location of residence of the child who has suffered the fatality or near fatality: The victim is a 2-year-old boy from Phoenix named Fernando.
The fact that a child suffered a near fatality or fatality as the result of abuse, abandonment or neglect: Information available indicates this is a near-fatality as a result of abuse. 
The name, age and city, town or general location of residence of the alleged perpetrator, if available: The alleged perpetrator has been identified as Saul Garcia, 32, of Phoenix.
Whether there have been reports, or any current or past cases, of child abuse, abandonment or neglect involving the child and the current alleged abusive or neglectful parent, guardian or custodian: There has been one prior Child Abuse Hotline report of physical abuse of Fernando by Saul Garcia. The allegation was jointly investigated with Phoenix police. There was no finding of abuse at that time. Information from the investigation indicated that the injury was consistent with the explanation provided. Family support services were offered and accepted by the family. The case was closed in September 2008 when the family successfully completed services.
Actions taken by CPS in response to the fatality or near fatality of the child: As of 10/02/08, Fernando is in a Phoenix hospital. Child Protective Services is jointly investigating the allegations with Phoenix police and will take appropriate action to ensure Fernando’s safety upon release from the hospital, which may include temporary custody and filing a dependency petition with the court.