Philadelphia

Boyfriend Faces Murder Charges in 2-Year-Old Boy's Death

An autopsy revealed Zy'Air Worrell had suffered a fractured rib and lacerated liver and had THC in his system

The 21-year-old boyfriend of a dead toddler's mother faces murder charges in the 2-year-old's death.

Philadelphia Police announced murder, involuntary manslaughter and related charges against Rimear Custis Wednesday in connection to the death of Zy'Air Worrell on Nov. 29.

Zy'Air's 23-year-old mom, Andrea Worrell, pleaded guilty to child endangerment and obstruction of justice charges in relation to the death inside a home along E. Clementine Street near F Street in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, said Philadelphia Police. She was released on house arrest as a mental health evaluation is planned, said court records.

Andrea Worrell held her unresponsive 2-year-old boy, identified by family members as Zy'Air Worrell, in her arms as officers arrived on the scene, said police. [[403901706, C]]

Police rushed Zy'Air to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children where doctors pronounced him dead a couple hours later.

"He don't deserve that," Worrell's godmother, Tasha Nikajewett, said while in tears. "He was just happy. He was a happy little baby."

An autopsy of Worrell revealed that he had suffered a fractured rib, a bruised ear, an abrasion over his eye and a lacerated liver. The 2-year-old also tested positive for THC, commonly found in marijuana, said police.

Police questioned Andrea Worrell along Custis, who is not the child's natural father, said investigators.

Police charged the mom with child endangerment Thursday morning. The boyfriend wasn't immediately charged, said homicide investigators, who continued to look into the death.

Custis was held without bail, said court records.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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