Mesa couple charged with murder in death of toddler who suffered untreated burns

Two people are facing first-degree murder charges after a 22-month-old toddler in their care died from severe burns that police say went untreated for about 10 days.

Alexander Byrne, 21, and 24-year-old Artnesia Baptist, the child’s mother, were arrested on charges of first-degree murder and child abuse likely to cause death, according to the Mesa Police Department.

On April 12, officers were dispatched just after 9 a.m. to a home in the area of Brown Road and Mesa Drive for a report of a child who was not breathing.

Detectives allege the child sustained severe liquid burns over a large portion of his body while in the sole care of Byrne, Baptist’s boyfriend. Investigators say the couple intentionally concealed the injuries and failed to seek medical treatment for about 10 days before the child died.

Byrne and Baptist are both being held on a $1 million bond Each is being held on a $1 million bond.

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