Arizona Child Died After Allegedly Suffering Horrific Abuse From His Mother And Her Boyfriend

A Chino Valley, Arizona, couple were arrested for allegedly inflicting horrific abuse on a 10-year-old boy who was bound, beaten, and burned. The boy, Christian Pearson, passed away as result of his injuries on Sunday, June 11 at 10:26 p.m.

On Thursday, June 8, the police responded to a 911 report of a child who had stopped breathing. When they arrived on the scene, they found a 10-year-old boy with second- and third-degree burns on multiple areas of his body.

According to Oxygen, the child had bruises on his back, torso, neck, head, and extremities. The paramedics were able to get the child breathing again and rushed him to a nearby children’s hospital. Once at the hospital, he never regained consciousness and remained in critical condition.

According to the Prescotte News, the boy’s father decided to take him off life support on Sunday night after learning that there was little hope he would wake up.

Daniel Terry, 26, and the boy’s mother, Julianna Moreno, were booked on felony charges, including attempted first-degree murder, child abuse, and aggravated assault.

“The two individuals charged in this matter are Daniel Terry a 36-year-old Chino Valley resident and his girlfriend, 34-year-old Chino Valley resident Julianna Moreno. Multiple Felony charges for the pair include attempted 1st-degree murder, child abuse, and aggravated assault. Evidence suggests these injuries were inflicted upon the child at the residence, while he was bound and restrained and unable to protect himself or flee.”

Eric Pearson, Christian’s father, lives in Tuscan, Arizona, and wasn’t able to see his son every day.

https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/posts/1882968831946308

“He was a very good kid. He got straight A’s, he was very smart in school,” Eric explained. “He liked to play sports, ride his bicycle. He played basketball every day. He was such a good boy.”

“I was not aware of what was happening in his home up here. They kept to themselves. I get him in the summer time and every other holiday.”

Pearson hopes that law enforcement will do everything they can to keep Terry and Moreno locked up.

Yavapai County Sheriff’s office released a statement asking those who attended a yard sale at Moreno’s residence that day to come forward and speak with a detective.

The cards and bears keep coming, got a full box that we will be taking to the hospital. Thx for the support and prayers for this child. pic.twitter.com/qiK6Vn8hIZ

— Chino Valley Police (@CVPDAZ) June 10, 2017

“The day of the incident, June 8, 2017, Julianna Moreno and Daniel Terry were having a yard sale at their residence in the 1200 block of Poco Ln. It has been reported to us that several people attended the yard sale throughout the day. Chino Valley Police Department would like to talk to everyone that attended the yard sale on June 8, 2017.”

The statement went on to say that there was nothing the medical staff could do for Christian; his injuries were fatal. The paramedics’ efforts allowed Pearson’s father to see him and say goodbye.

“The abuse and injuries suffered by Christian on June 8, 2017 were fatal injuries and due to the injuries, he sustained, Christian died at 10:26 pm on June 11, 2017. The hard work and dedication by the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority staff as well as LifeLine Ambulance were paramount in keeping Christian alive so that his family had time to see him one more time. Christian gave the one thing taken from him; he gave life through organ donation.”

Christian’s mother, Julianna Moreno, has an 18-month-old daughter who is currently in the custody of Child Protective Services.

The sheriff’s office revealed that since the child passed away, they will be upgrading the charges to first-degree murder for both Terry and Moreno.

Sad update on our investigation. pic.twitter.com/o0aGvmJ5J1

— Chino Valley Police (@CVPDAZ) June 12, 2017

The sheriff’s office said that all cards, stuffed animals, and other gifts delivered to the police station would be given to Eric Pearson. The father of the boy thanked the local community for their support during this difficult time.

[Featured Image by RPD PHOTO/Shutterstock]