RIVERVIEW, Fla. — A man in Hillsborough County is facing abuse and murder charges related to the death of a child that was in his care, according to the sheriff's office.
Authorities announced the arrest of David Vasquez Malave, 23, on Wednesday.
According to a press release, a child in Vasquez's care died on July 20 after being reported unresponsive around 9:15 a.m. the day before.
The sheriff's office says responding patrol units found the child with lacerations and bruising on their body. The child was transported to Tampa General Hospital with life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead the following day.
A medical examiner declared the manner of death as homicide.
"No child should ever have to suffer as this young victim did," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "This should never happen. It's an unthinkable tragedy. I am absolutely horrified with the actions by this suspect, and he will be charged to the fullest extent of the law."
Vasquez was charged with aggravated child abuse and murder in the first degree while engaged in aggravated child abuse. He remains at the Falkenburg Road Jail without bond.
