Couple charged with murder in death of baby found in freezer
4/24/2012Police say the baby found in an East Toledo freezer this month may have died more than two months earlier.
Kenisha Pruitt, 20, of 2631 Scottwood Ave. and Antonio Cervantes, 18, 5324 Rector Dr., the presumed parents of the newborn boy, were charged with murder Tuesday.
Court records indicate the baby, on or about Jan. 30, was "assaulted," causing its death.
The couple, who were being held in the Lucas County jail in lieu of $1 million bond each on child-endangering charges, were arraigned Tuesday in Toledo Municipal Court on a charge of murder.
Court records indicate the initial charges were dropped and bond on the murder charges was set at $1 million. The two are to appear in court again May 1.
Police would not elaborate on what evidence was found during the investigation, which began April 13 after a woman found the baby in a freezer at a home in the 600 block of Paine Avenue.
"The only thing we can really say at this time is that we're continuing to investigate this crime and, as the investigation continues and we get more information, we're keeping in constant contact with the prosecutors," said police Sgt. Joe Heffernan. "At this point, the prosecutor has determined that we have enough evidence to go ahead and charge what are believed to be the parents with the crime of murder.
"We're not prepared to discuss any of the evidence right now, partially because it's not all in from the coroner's office," the sergeant said.
The case is expected to be presented to a grand jury within 10 days.
An autopsy done last week showed that the baby was born alive and probably lived two days or less, Dr. Cynthia Beisser, a deputy Lucas County coroner, had said.
She said Tuesday there were no changes in the findings and that cause of death and other test results, including DNA, were pending.