A little boy police say was abused in the care of an unlicensed daycare center has passed away. Baby Jonathan’s parents say the family was together with him at the hospital when he passed away in his mother’s arms April 23.
Jessica and Danny Lopez watched their son suffer after police say he was abused at a daycare center in November 2015.
“Every minute, second we were with him was special. Since he got there, to the end, I was holding his hand every night,” said Danny Lopez.
After a five-month battle which included nine surgeries, the 1-year-old boy passed away.
“We feel that he is no longer suffering,” Jessica said. “He went through too much for such a small child, stuff that no one should ever see their child go through, and no child should go through.”
They say their son’s death hasn’t sunk in yet. The couple has two other small children who are asking questions about their little brother.
Doctors diagnosed Jonathan with Shaken Baby Syndrome.
“That’s what makes it so hard,” Danny said.
“He was smiling, crawling, giggling,” Jessica added. “He knew who we were. He’d play with his siblings. You know, he was our little Johnny.”
Police arrested daycare worker Alejandra Robles for child abuse in connection with Jonathan’s injuries. Jessica and Danny say they want police to add a murder charge now that their son is gone.
The priority, however, is to remember their son whom they call an angel.
“That brings me some peace that he’s not in pain,” Danny said.
A spokeswoman for North Las Vegas Police say the case is being reviewed.
Danny and Jessica Lopez say they believe Jonathan leaves a legacy, and they say they will continue to advocate against child abuse and for stiffer penalties.
Funeral services are planned Saturday, April 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Palm Mortuary, 6701 North Jones Boulevard. The funeral is open to the public. The family is asking guests to wear royal blue to help raise awareness for child abuse.
The family has also established a GoFundMe account to help pay for funeral expenses.
