Charges Filed Against Mother, Step-Father, and Step-Grandmother in Toddler's Death Case

The Investigative Committee of Armenia’s Ararat regional division is actively conducting investigative and procedural actions to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death of a toddler. As previously reported, on February 7, 2021, a toddler born on August 1, 2019, was transferred to the Masis Medical Center in a deceased state. The external examination of the child’s body revealed multiple injuries, including to vital organs in the head area. According to the forensic medical conclusion, the cause of death was determined to be closed cranio-cerebral trauma.

A criminal case was initiated on the grounds of causing serious bodily harm and resulting in the child’s death through negligence. During the pre-trial investigation, it was revealed that the injuries were inflicted by the child’s family members: the mother, step-father, and step-grandmother. As a result of investigative measures, several circumstances surrounding the child’s death were clarified.

Specifically, the investigation uncovered that from February 1 to 6, 2021, the toddler was frequently in a state of distress. The step-father, unable to cope with the child’s continuous crying, together with the mother and grandmother, intended to inflict severe physical pain on the child and repeatedly struck various parts of the child’s body. Concurrently, the step-father exhibited visible hostility towards the child, using foul language, while the mother and grandmother forcefully administered “Dimedrol” pills to silence the child without a doctor's prescription or instruction.

On February 6, 2021, unable to tolerate the child's crying, the step-father brutally struck the child in the head around 8:00 PM with the intent to kill. This assault caused the child to weaken and fall onto a couch. Subsequently, covering the child with a couch cover, the step-father delivered several powerful blows to the child's head and back. He then forcefully placed the child into a washing machine, continuing the assault, which ultimately led to the child's death on February 7.

Further examination of the crime scene revealed blood-like traces, and samples were taken for analysis. Based on the collected evidence, a decision has been made to initiate a new criminal case under Article 119 (inflicting physical pain or mental suffering) of the RA Criminal Code, specifically parts 3 and 5, in connection with the ongoing investigation regarding deliberate serious harm and negligence leading to the child's death.

Based on sufficient evidence obtained during the investigation, the step-father has been charged under Articles 119 (parts 3 and 5) and 104 (part 1), while the mother and step-grandmother face charges under Article 119 (parts 3 and 5). The mother and step-father have been remanded in custody, while the step-grandmother is under a travel restriction. The investigation is ongoing.