Colorado police have arrested a woman whose husband allegedly killed their 13-year-old adoptive son on Sunday.
Cesar Delgadillo, 39, was accused of assaulting the teenage boy for several hours at their Butler Township home after accusations from two other children in the home that the boy had sexually assaulted them. As per WVIA, video evidence from inside the house showed Virginia Delgadillo, 34, observing the fatal beating.
Cesar Delgadillo allegedly used various objects, including a back scratcher, an electrical cord, and a rubber hammer, to inflict harm on the teen. WVIA also indicated that during the attack, which continued even after his wife went to bed, he forced the back scratcher into the boy’s throat.
Shortly after police arrived at the home on Monday morning, the boy was declared dead at a hospital. WOLF reported that an investigation revealed Cesar Delgadillo caused multiple injuries, including stab wounds, to his son’s chest, back, head, and hands.
The Delgadillos have one biological child, along with five other children in the home who range in age from 5 to 16. According to WNEP, four of the children interviewed by police bore injuries similar to those of the deceased boy.
Virginia Delgadillo reportedly contacted 911 after dressing the unresponsive boy in clean clothes, which investigators suspect was an effort to conceal his injuries. The Times Leader reported finding blood throughout the house, even though it smelled strongly of bleach.
According to the publication, Virginia Delgadillo claimed her husband drank alcohol Sunday into Monday and has apologized.
A Luzerne County Children, Youth, and Family official informed WVIA that their agency did not place the children with the Delgadillos, though he refused to name the involved counties.
Cesar Delgadillo was charged with homicide, child endangerment, tampering with evidence, and obstruction. Virginia Delgadillo was charged with endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors, and tampering with physical evidence.
The Delgadillos remain jailed without bond. Their surviving children are in the care of Luzerne County Children, Youth, and Family.
[Feature Photo: WNEP]
