A Long Island father has admitted to killing his 2-month-old daughter after what prosecutors describe as a brutal assault inside the family's Inwood home on the morning of March 7, 2025. The infant, identified as Liseyda Rabanales-Barrios, was first taken to St. John's Episcopal Hospital and later transferred to Cohen Children's Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
According to PIX11, 20-year-old Marlon Rabanales Pretzantzin has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2026. The plea follows investigators' findings and court filings in Nassau County, according to the outlet.
What prosecutors say
Prosecutors in Nassau County say Liseyda suffered multiple blunt-force injuries after Rabanales allegedly slapped and punched her, violently shook her, dropped her onto a bed and then pressed his body weight into her until she became unresponsive. An autopsy later documented contusions to the head, several rib fractures, severe hemorrhaging in the neck area and a dislocation of the C5 and C6 vertebrae, according to the Nassau County District Attorney's Office.
"This defendant, tired of his 2-month-old daughter's crying, allegedly beat and shook her so violently that he caused severe hemorrhaging and dislocated the vertebrae in the child's neck, killing her," DA Anne T. Donnelly said in a statement.
Investigation and arraignment
Rabanales was arrested on March 12, 2025, and initially pleaded not guilty at his arraignment, as reported by the Long Island Press. Police told reporters that during the investigation he admitted to harming the infant. Authorities also removed the couple's 14-month-old son from the home and placed the child with the mother while the case moves through court.
Legal next steps
The defendant was indicted on Murder in the Second Degree, an A-I felony, and a conviction on that charge can carry a sentence of up to 25 years to life in prison, according to the Nassau County District Attorney's Office. Rabanales remains held in custody and is due back in court for sentencing next month.
Prosecutors' message and local reaction
DA Donnelly has urged anyone who feels overwhelmed or on the verge of losing control while caring for a child to step away, place the baby somewhere safe and seek help instead of resorting to force. Her office also publicly thanked the Office of Chief Medical Examiner and the Babies and Toddlers Task Force for their work on the case and assistance with the prosecution.
Local advocates said the case underscores the ongoing need for accessible parental supports and straightforward public information on how to cope with prolonged infant crying before a stressful situation turns tragic.
