PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — Three family members have been charged with murder after a 4-year-old boy was found unconscious in a Manassas apartment and later died, police said.
Officers responded to The Regency Apartments in the 9800 block of Shallow Creek Loop on Jan. 19 around 7:30 p.m. and found the child unresponsive. Medics attempted CPR before transporting him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators determined that the boy and his 5-year-old sister had suffered prolonged abuse, including being bound with plastic wrap and packing tape and deprived of food and water. An autopsy confirmed the boy was severely malnourished and dehydrated.
Authorities arrested three relatives: Rebecca Ann Romero, 53, Shanyah Elizabeth Dilda, 29, and Kemmilyn Anita Wade, 18. All face multiple charges, including aggravated murder, felony murder, and child abuse.