In Milwaukee, Devario Cruz, 21, and Charlotte Kurek, 31, appeared in court yesterday in connection with the death of their 4-year-old son, Dante Campbell. According to WISN, first responders found the boy unresponsive and covered in bruises in a West Allis Dairy Queen parking lot on Saturday last week.
Court Commissioner Barry Phillips described the case as deeply disturbing during the hearing. As reported by TMJ4, Phillips told Cruz that he allegedly beat the child with his bare hands, and investigators confirmed the boy died from multiple injuries. Authorities also discovered the couple’s other children at home showing signs of abuse.
Cruz faces several charges, including first-degree reckless homicide, child abuse, chronic child neglect, and possession with intent to sell marijuana. As per WTMJ, he is being held on a $250,000 cash bond. Kurek is charged with two counts of chronic child neglect, is under a no-contact order with her children, and is being held on a $100,000 cash bond.
The Child Protective Services had prior involvement with the family, though details remain sealed until a required summary is released within 90 days. Both Cruz and Kurek are scheduled to return to court on Wednesday next week for a preliminary hearing.
