Federal immigration authorities have filed a detainer against a man accused of the violent killing of his three-year-old nephew in Escambia County, Florida. Samuel Antonio Maldonado-Erazo, a Honduran national who entered the United States in August 2021, is currently facing manslaughter charges following the March 4 death of the child.
The victim was left in the care of Maldonado-Erazo after the boy’s mother, Wendy Esther Hernandez Reyes, was deported on January 26. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Reyes was given the option to take her U.S. citizen son with her but chose to leave him in her brother’s custody.
Local law enforcement described a scene of extreme physical trauma. Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons reported that the toddler’s injuries included 17 strikes to the head, a broken collarbone, several broken ribs, and a transected pancreas caused by blunt force.
Investigators also noted the presence of intentional burns and extensive bruising across the child’s body. Reports indicate that Maldonado-Erazo took the boy to his workplace on the day of his death and allegedly ignored signs that the child was in medical distress before a 911 call was eventually placed for cardiac arrest.
“This crime is absolutely sickening,” said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “This little boy suffered extensively and died when his mother abandoned him to Maldonado-Erazo’s ‘care’ — and Maldonado-Erazo himself is an illegal alien who never should’ve been in this country in the first place.” Lyons added that while ICE encourages parents to be removed with their children, Reyes opted to leave the boy behind.
Records show Maldonado-Erazo originally entered the country near Eagle Pass, Texas, and was released into the US with his daughter.
While he had no prior U.S. criminal record before this incident, his status as an undocumented immigrant has prompted federal officials to seek his custody should he be released from local jail.
In the wake of the arrest, Maldonado-Erazo’s wife was also taken into custody.
Their three children, two of whom are U.S. citizens, have been placed in the care of the Florida Department of Children and Families. ICE officials stated they remain determined to deport Maldonado-Erazo following the resolution of his criminal proceedings.
READ: Florida Supreme Court Clears Way For Execution Of Michael King
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
