After a Las Vegas toddler suffered a deadly stroke in what doctors described as "one of the worst cases" of abuse, police identified his mother's boyfriend as his alleged killer.
Christian Moniz Rabino, 28, has been charged with first-degree murder and child abuse in connection with the death of 17-month-old Kai Tesoro, according to police, KLAS-TV, KVVU-TV and the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.
It's unclear if Rabino entered a plea to the charges.
Kai was unconscious when first responders transported him to a hospital June 1.
Doctors got authorities involved when they noticed the toddler suffered from alleged "bruising to his head and a fracture to his right leg," in addition to several brain bleeds "caused by a large amount of force" sustained through "non-accidental trauma," court documents read, according to KLAS.
Doctors noted Kai suffered a "massive stroke" allegedly caused by violent shaking and abuse.
He was removed from life support and succumbed to his injuries five days later at the hospital.
During police questioning, Kai's mother allegedly claimed her son had fallen off a bed and bumped his head days before calling 911. Rabino alleged Kai "had not been feeling well" and "had a fever," according to the documents.
A witness later allegedly told police Rabino convinced Kai's mom not to call 911 immediately following the boy's injuries and that she was lying to cops about his fall in order to protect herself.
The witness also alleged Rabino abused his girlfriend.
Kai's mother later accused Rabino of becoming "frustrated with [Kai's] inability to walk on his own and [slammed Kai's] feet first on the floor," documents read, the outlet reported.
Steve Tesoro, Kai's paternal grandfather, said Kai donated his organs before his death.
"Kai is a true hero; his Aloha and spirit will continue to live on," Tesoro wrote, according to a GoFundMe campaign description. "Kai was a joyful and spirited child who brought immense happiness to everyone who knew him, bringing instant smiles to those he met. All he ever wanted was love. He will forever be his daddy's 'Fat Boii.'"
