Dad, step charged in death of 4-year-old girl; was Dad custodial? (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

We've reported on this case before. The media now states--drum roll--that this child actually as a real mother. Congratuations. You pass Biology 101.

My heart goes out to you, Mom.

The media is still being very cagey about the custodial situation. However, given that Dad and the step just moved to the area a few months ago, I can't help but wonder if he had custody. Maybe the reporters will find out for us?

Whenever a child is deliberately placed with an abusive parent, it needs to be investigated.

Dad is identified as ANTHONY CHAVEZ.

http://www.koat.com/news/new-mexico/albuquerque/Dad-stepmom-charged-with-4-year-old-s-death/-/9153728/16910522/-/1537ura/-/index.html

Dad, stepmom charged with 4-year-old's death

Cause of child's head trauma unknown

UPDATED 7:55 AM MDT Oct 09, 2012

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The parents of a 4-year-old girl have been arrested and charged in connection to her death.

The child died over the weekend in the 2400 block of Williams Street near Broadway Boulevard. Bernalillo County Sheriff's deputies went to a home in the area on Saturday night after they said they learned that marks and bruises on the body of the young girl weren't accidental.

Authorities said her parents said the child had scratched herself in her sleep and been bitten by their dog. Investigators said those reasons didn't add up and arrested the girl's father and stepmother.

According to deputies, the father didn't call 911 until the child was already severely injured. The child had head trauma, but the cause of the trauma is still unknown. Neighbors told Action 7 News the father had only lived in the area for a couple of months. Another child inside the home was uninjured.

The child's biological mother is extremely distraught.