Father Arrested for Murder of 2 Year Old Son

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, May 11, 2000

"Father Arrested for Murder of 2 Year Old Son"

Van Nuys – The Abused Child Unit of the Los Angeles Police Department is currently investigating a homicide of a two-year-old child in the Van Nuys area.

On May 11, 2000, at approximately 1:00 a.m., Juvenile Division’s Abuse Child Unit detectives responded to Valley Presbyterian Hospital located at 15107 Vanowen Street. Detectives were advised that a two-year-old male had been pronounced dead and the cause of death was pending the results of the coroner’s examination.

However, a follow-up investigation to the child’s residence, located in the 6900 block of Hazeltine Avenue in Van Nuys, revealed that the child’s father had struck him in the abdomen earlier in the evening causing trauma. Suspect Juan Deras was subsequently arrested for murder at 7:15 a.m.. Bail for Deras has been established at one million dollars.

For further information, contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

For Release 10:00 am PDT
May 12, 2000