LAKELAND, Fla. – An arrest has been made in connection with a homicide of a 1-year-old in Lakeland, police announced on Monday.
Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor said the 23-month-old child, Ezekiel Cotto Saint Fleur, was taken to Tampa General Hospital after being found unresponsive with injuries and died on March 8.
Recommended Videos
Investigators say the suspect, Bobby Curry Jr., 20, said the child had fallen over a puppy and been knocked backward, but police say medical professionals said the child had injuries consistent with physical abuse.
Curry was arrested Friday on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse.
It’s the second incident in which a young child was killed in Lakeland in the last week. Police are still looking for two suspects in the shooting deaths of a 3-year-old boy and a 22-year-old man at a Lakeland apartment complex.
Taylor said tips are coming into Crimestoppers, and authorities believe the suspects may still be in the Central Florida area.
“Someone out there knows where they are. Please give us a call. Do not hide them. You’re committing a criminal act if you’re helping them do not help them,” Taylor said.