NYC dad charged with murder after 4-month-old son dies from suspected abuse-related injuries

NEW YORK (TCD) -- A 34-year-old man faces murder and other charges relating to the April death of his 4-month-old son.

On Tuesday, June 7, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg Jr. announced his office indicted Ceferino Sanchez with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, reckless assault of a child, and second-degree assault.

According to the statement, Sanchez brought his son, Cairo Dixon-Sanchez, to NYU Langone Hospital on April 25 with injuries he claimed were from Cairo falling during feeding. Cairo was declared dead at the hospital.

The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and determined Cairo died from "abusive head trauma" and that his injuries were "not consistent with a fall." The District Attorney’s Office alleges Sanchez "assaulted the infant, causing severe blunt force trauma to the victim’s head."

According to the criminal complaint cited by WPIX-TV, Cairo suffered several injuries, including skull fractures, subdural hematomas, and hemorrhaging of the optic nerve root. A woman in the apartment with Sanchez reportedly told police she heard three thumps, which Sanchez allegedly said happened when the baby fell.

Sanchez allegedly told the woman they had to come up with a story they both agreed on or else it could "look bad."

He allegedly said, "Remember I was in the bed with you when all this happened and Cairo was in the bassinet."

Before taking Cairo to the hospital, Sanchez allegedly repeated "I f--ked up."

Jail records show Sanchez's bail was remanded.

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