OC Man Found Guilty Of Abuse In Boy's Death
SANTA ANA (AP) — An Orange County man has been convicted of child abuse that caused the death of his girlfriend's 4-year-old son.
Alberto Guzman, 29, was convicted Monday of assault likely to result in a child's death, but he was acquitted of murder. He faces 34 years to life in prison.
Prosecutors say Guzman beat Brando Morales unconscious in 2008 in Santa Ana. The boy died at a hospital. Guzman's attorney, Laura Jose, argued that Brandon's mother struck the fatal blows.
Gabriela Morales is facing trial on murder, child abuse and other charges.
Prosecutor Larry Yellin tells the Orange County Register that the boy had bruises from his feet to his head when he died. Yellin contends that the mother and her boyfriend beat Brandon repeatedly, starved him and made him sleep on the floor.
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