Mother, Aunt Charged in Toddler's Death

Mother had agreed not to leave boy in aunt's care

LA JOYA - A woman arrested in connection with her son's death is accused of ignoring an earlier request from Child Protective Services.

NEWSCHANNEL 5 learned Jamie Lee Rosales agreed not to leave her son alone with her sister, 28-year-old Mayra Rosales. But investigators say she did.

Deputies say the 28-year-old is responsible for the toddler's death. Mayra Rosales is accused of hitting Eliseo Gonzalez Jr. and crushing his skull.

"Mayra is stating that she lost her balance and that she actually landed on the child, crushing his head. The investigation and autopsy show that's impossible," explains Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino.

Mayra Rosales was charged with capital murder. The 28-year-old, who weighs almost 1,000 pounds, is immobile and still in her La Joya home.

"Because of her disability, she was arraigned inside her bedroom. In addition, the HCSO detention officers booked her in and out at her residence," says the sheriff.

The toddler's mother was also charged. She's now behind bars.

"Jaime Lee Rosales, due to omission, caused serious bodily injury to Eliseo, because she failed to provide care, protection, and control required by law as any parent should," Trevino says.

Jamie Lee Rosales has two other children. They're now in CPS custody.

NEWSCHANNEL 5 learned this case came to the attention of Child Protective Services as an anonymous tip. CPS officials are reminding you to call in cases like this by calling their hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or logging onto txabusehotline.org.