Melvin Melendez
Hyattsville, MD – The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of a one-year-old baby left in his care. According to a PGCPD press release, the suspect, identified as Melvin Edenilson Melendez, 21 of Hyattsville, was arrested Tuesday, Dec. 16. The victim is 1-year-old Jason Perez. Melendez and the victim lived at the same residence
On Dec. 10, first responders were called to the home on 30th Avenue for the report of an unresponsive child. Perez was rushed to a hospital where he died Dec. 12.
The preliminary investigation reveals the baby’s mother had gone to work and left her son in the care of Melendez. The victim’s mother and Melendez are in a romantic relationship.
A few hours later, Melendez called 911 to report the child had fallen out of bed and wasn’t breathing. An autopsy revealed injuries inconsistent with a fall and the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. The medical examiner’s office has ruled this a homicide.
Melendez is charged with second-degree murder and first-degree child abuse resulting in death.