Jacksonville Police Dept.

 

Cristian Fernandez, 12, could face life in prison without parole if convicted of murdering his 2-year-old half brother.

 

 

Biannela Susana gave birth to Fernandez when she was 12.

 

A "baby-faced" 12-year-old in Florida may spend the rest of his life in jail for the murder of his 2-year-old half brother.

Cristian Fernandez allegedly killed the toddler in March. Last week, the boy was indicted by a grand jury for first-degree murder, the first time someone so young has faced such a serious charge in Jacksonville.

If convicted, he would be sentenced to life in prison without parole.

"It is disturbing, but when you know you have to balance the safety of other children in the home and in the community, it is not so disturbing," State Attorney Angela Corey said Thursday, according to The Florida Times-Union.

The harsh charge is a reflection of the brutal murder, authorities said.

The 2-year-old, David Galarriago, was hospitalized on March 14 after being "physically battered" by his older sibling, according to a police report.

The child suffered "a skull fracture, subdural hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, bruising on the left eye, and bruising on the bridge of his nose."

While the toddler was in the hospital, police said Fernandez confessed to beating him. He also allegedly admitted to having broken his younger brother's leg in January.

Two days after he was savagely attacked, David died.

"It's a tragic set of events to say the least," Assistant State Attorney Mark Caliel told The Times-Union.

Fernandez's mother, Biannela Susana, also faces charges for allegedly trying to cover up the beating.

The 25-year-old initially told authorities she was at home when the incident occurred, according to a police report. She later admitted she was not there at the time, and was told the toddler fell from a bunk bed.

Susana told police she tried to help the 2-year-old. She claimed she "changed his clothing, wiped him off, and put ice on his head," police said.

The young mother did not call 911, but drove the toddler to the hospital some two hours after the incident, police said.

The lawyer tasked with defending Cristian Fernandez said the 12-year-old is "clearly a victim."

"The whole system has failed him," Assistant Public Defender Rob Mason said, according to The Times-Union.

Fernandez's mother was only 12 years old when she gave birth to him, Mason said. The two ended up in foster care together, and his grandmother was a drug addict.

The boy was also the victim of child abuse at the hands of his stepfather, who shot and killed himself in front of the boy last year, Mason said.

"It is a complex case," he said.