Virginia authorities on Tuesday said they charged a Mexican man in the slaying of a 2-year-old girl this month.
The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office said it charged Raul Ortiz Moran, 29, with second-degree murder and aggravated sexual assault in the July 4 killing of the toddler.
That day, police said the girl’s mother rushed her injured child to the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office after coming from a home on Owens Creek Road in Louisa County.
Officials said deputies performed life-saving measures on the child, and the girl was later taken to a hospital, but she died of her injuries.
Police didn’t describe the nature of the child’s injuries. Her cause of death is being reviewed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy involving the death of a young child,” Louisa County Sheriff Donald Lowe said in a statement. “Our detectives have worked tirelessly to thoroughly investigate this case and ensure those responsible are held accountable. Our thoughts and prayers remain with everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident.”
Authorities said Immigration and Customs Enforcement took custody of Mr. Ortiz Moran based on his status as an illegal immigrant prior to criminal charges being filed.
The sheriff’s office said he will remain in federal custody while he goes through his judicial proceedings in Louisa County.
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