In a shocking incident that left the residents of Virginia in disbelief, a 4-year-old grandson and nephew tragically lost his life under distressing circumstances. The authorities have identified the individuals responsible for this horrific incident as R. Romero, a 53-year-old grandmother, along with her 22-year-old daughter, S. Dilda, and 18-year-old daughter, K. Wade. The child’s name is being withheld due to his young age. Police suspect that the child’s injuries were a result of prolonged abusive treatment, leading to his untimely demise.
Romero, Dilda, and Wade are each facing charges in connection with this heartbreaking incident. Specifically, Romero and Dilda are charged with aggravated murder, felony murder, and felony child abuse and neglect. Wade, on the other hand, is charged with felony murder and felony child abuse and neglect. These charges are a reflection of the serious nature of the abuse that was uncovered when authorities responded to a distressing scene on January 19th.
Upon arriving at the apartment, first responders discovered the 4-year-old youngster unresponsive. A neighboring hospital declared the child dead despite quick CPR and medical attention. Despite not establishing the actual cause of death, an inquiry revealed a distressing pattern of maltreatment against the child. Investigators discovered evidence indicating that Romero, Dilda, and Wade abused and neglected the boy and his five-year-old sister over a long period of time. The youngsters had been under their care since August 2023, when their parents left them at the apartment. According to a news release from the police department, both youngsters were denied food and drink.
The cruelty that the youngsters faced was appalling. Text conversations between Romero and Dilda revealed details about unpleasant punishment measures, such as restraining the youngster with plastic bags in the bathtub. These texts also highlighted Dilda’s irritation when the youngster was able to break away from his restraints and consume candies and a banana. An autopsy indicated that he was badly emaciated and dehydrated. Photographic evidence from January 18 shows the young kid wrapped in plastic from shoulders to toes and taped to a mattress covered in rubbish bags. Furthermore, a pillow strapped to his head implied unspeakable pain and restriction.
After their arrest on January 30, the accused individuals were held without bond at an adult detention center. Not only have their actions led to legal repercussions, but they have also sparked a wider conversation about child welfare and protection within the community. As a precautionary measure, the victim’s siblings, including a 5-year-old girl, a 12-year-old, and a 14-year-old, have been placed under the care of Child Protective Services. This step has been taken to safeguard their well-being and minimize any potential harm they may face.
A GoFundMe page has been created to raise funds for the funeral and memorial expenses of the 4-year-old boy. This heartbreaking incident has had a profound impact on the local community and has sparked conversations about child welfare and the measures in place to protect the most vulnerable. As the case moves forward, the primary concern is to seek justice for the young victims and to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The court proceedings are ongoing, and there is great anticipation regarding the outcome and how justice will be served in this deeply unsettling case.