NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — A Newport News man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a one-year-old boy earlier this month, police confirmed Thursday.
On April 5, officers responded to the 0 block of Cedar Avenue at approximately 7:45 a.m. after receiving a call about an unresponsive child. Upon arrival, they found a one-year-old boy who was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy later revealed that the child had suffered internal trauma. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.
Following an extensive investigation, 25-year-old Zai-Twond Perry was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and felony child neglect. Authorities noted that Perry is an acquaintance of the child’s family.
At the time of his arrest, Perry was already in custody on unrelated charges.
He was arraigned Friday morning, and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 2.
