MELISSA MONTOYA

MMONTOYA@NEWS-PRESS.COM

A babysitter has been charged with second-degree murder for allegedly beating an 8-month old child, deputies said Thursday.

The baby, Julian Valdez, was pronounced dead by Gulf Coast Hospital staff after he was taken there Thursday morning.

His babysitter, 27-year-old Rafael Carrion, became a suspect while detectives interviewed him, the Lee County Sheriff's Office said.

The incident was reported to authorities at 3 a.m. Thanksgiving morning. Deputies and medical personnel were called a home in the 4900 block of North Galaxy Drive because Julian was not breathing.

Deputies and medical personnel worked to save the child, but he later died.

An autopsy by the Medical Examiner's Office revealed Julian suffered "massive head injuries" consistent with a "violent beating."

The sheriff's office said Carrion could not explain what happened to Julian.

“This innocent life, lost at the hands of a monster, has affected me and my team today in a profound way," Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott said in a statement. "I can’t find the words to adequately describe my anger and heartache.”

Carrion has been transported to Lee County Jail and faces charges of second-degree murder and aggravated manslaughter. Bond has not been set.

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