North Carolina Man Behind Bars After 14-Month-Old Baby Dies From Suspected Child Abuse, Police Say

A man is accused of murder after a 14-month-old child was brought to a North Carolina hospital with serious injuries and died nearly a week later, authorities said.

According to a Ramseur Police Department statement, the Randolph Health Emergency Department in Asheboro contacted investigators on Aug. 31 in reference to the toddler, who “had sustained serious injuries related to suspected child abuse.”

The baby was transferred to the intensive care unit at Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem and underwent surgery but succumbed on Sept. 5 to the alleged abuse injuries, police said.

Detectives opened an investigation into the toddler’s death and obtained warrants for the arrest of Joel Valdez Beltran on a first-degree murder charge.

Beltran was being held without bond in the Randolph County jail.

According to police, the investigation is ongoing and Beltran could face more charges in connection with the case.

Officials have not indicated the nature of the victim and suspect’s relationship.