CANTON, Ga. — A toddler’s death in Canton has led to murder and child cruelty charges against both his mother and her live-in boyfriend as detectives continue investigating what happened inside a home on Cartersville Street.
Canton Police officers and Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services responded to a residence in the 300 block of Cartersville Street around 11:29 a.m. on Aug. 3 after receiving a report of an unresponsive 2-year-old child.
Emergency personnel provided aid at the scene before the boy was taken to a local hospital. He was later pronounced dead.
The Canton Police Detective Unit took over the investigation, eventually leading detectives to the child’s mother’s boyfriend, 22-year-old Celso Edison Vicente Y Vicente.
Boyfriend Arrested on Murder Charges
Police said Vicente Y Vicente was identified as the live-in boyfriend of the child’s mother, Devorah Diaz Perez.
On the evening of Aug. 3, detectives developed probable cause for arrest warrants. Vicente Y Vicente was taken into custody at approximately 7 p.m. and charged with malice murder and first-degree cruelty to children.
He was transported to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center, where he remains in custody.
According to arrest warrants cited by local media, Vicente Y Vicente was responsible for watching and caring for the toddler on the day of his death. The warrants allege that he struck the child and “severely” beat him with his hands and other unknown objects.
The warrants also reportedly described multiple injuries to the child, including bruising across his body, with one bruise allegedly resembling a shoe print. A fresh open laceration was also reportedly found on the top of the boy’s head.
Those allegations have not been presented as proven facts in court.
Mother Later Arrested in Same Investigation
More than two weeks after the toddler’s death, investigators made a second arrest.
On Aug. 20, detectives interviewed 18-year-old Devorah Diaz Perez, the child’s mother. Following that interview and continued investigative work, detectives, in consultation with the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office, determined there was probable cause to charge her.
According to Canton police, Diaz Perez faces one count of second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree cruelty to children and three counts of reckless conduct.
She was taken into custody and transported to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.
Police have not publicly detailed the specific evidence or statements that led investigators to bring the charges against Diaz Perez. Authorities said additional information is being withheld because the case involves a juvenile victim and pending criminal charges.
Police Say Investigation Remains Active
Canton Police Chief Marty Ferrell addressed the tragedy following the initial arrest, emphasizing the seriousness of the investigation.
“The death of a child is heartbreaking, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic loss,” Ferrell said. “Our detectives have worked diligently to conduct a thorough and professional investigation. We remain committed to protecting the integrity of this case and allowing the judicial process to move forward.”
The Canton Police Department has received assistance from the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit, Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Medical Examiner’s Office.
Authorities continue to stress that the investigation is ongoing.
Autopsy Expected to Determine Official Cause of Death
An autopsy will be conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the toddler’s official cause and manner of death.
Police have not released the child’s identity, citing respect for the family and the sensitive nature of the case. Officials also have not released additional details about the evidence or circumstances surrounding the death.
Both Vicente Y Vicente and Diaz Perez are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Canton Police Detective Unit.
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