Francisco Ortiz, 34, a resident of Worcester, has been indicted with a murder charge connected to the death of his 4-year-old daughter, elevating previous charges related to the tragic incident last fall. As reported by NBC Boston, the charges announced by the Worcester County District Attorney's office now include one count of murder, improper storage of a firearm, and multiple counts concerning child endangerment and bodily injury directed at the deceased child and two other children.
On October 15, 2024, Ortiz summoned the police to his home in the Sever Square Apartments, claiming his daughter had fallen and was unresponsive. Upon arrival, law enforcement found no adults in the residence other than Ortiz, who was the only adult at the home. The four-year-old was quickly transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center where she was later pronounced dead. Ortiz maintained that his daughter's injuries, which included a severe skull fracture, were due to a fall from a table—a claim that appeared inconsistent with medical assessments suggesting she had suffered a fall from a height akin to two stories, as per medical experts referenced in court documents obtained by NBC Boston.
MassLive reports that during the initial hearing, the prosecutor brought attention to the extensive bruising across the girl's body as well as bone fractures in various stages of healing, providing ample evidence to counter Ortiz's claim that the bruises were from previous falls. This painted a harrowing picture of prolonged abuse.
Adding to the distressing circumstances, court documents revealed the presence of two additional children in Ortiz's custody who exhibited signs of malnutrition and dehydration. Their appearance, malnourished and dehydrated, was a cause for alarm for the authorities. The children, ages 2 and 5, were also found with bruises, and the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families has since taken custody of them. The department has stated that they are working in collaboration with law enforcement to investigate the matter further.
Francisco Ortiz faces a litany of serious charges in line with the grave allegations lodged against him. His next day in court will determine how this indictment proceeds, as he is brought before the justice system for the death of his young daughter and the alleged abuses against his other children.
