A Camp Pendleton marine accused of inflicting injuries on his 7-month-old son that led to the infant’s death pleaded not guilty Tuesday to murder and assault charges.
Stanford Morocho, 22, was ordered held on $5 million bail.
Deputy District Attorney Ryan Saunders told Judge Martin Staven that Morocho shared custody of the victim with the child’s mother, with whom the defendant no longer has a relationship.
Morocho took physical custody of the baby on Dec. 2. and by the morning of Dec. 12, the child was dead, according to Saunders.
During that time frame, the defendant allegedly inflicted various forms of physical abuse on the baby, Saunders told the judge.
As a result of the defendant’s alleged abuse, his son suffered significant bruising throughout his body and face, a skull fracture, rib fractures and internal bleeding, according to the prosecutor.
Morocho was arrested Friday after the baby was pronounced dead at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton.
During an interview with detectives, Morocho allegedly made incriminating statements about the case, according to Oceanside police Lt. Sean Marchand.
Morocho will be back in court Dec. 26 for a readiness conference and Dec. 31 for a preliminary hearing. He faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
— City News Service
