California Couple Allegedly Kill Their 1-Year-Old Son

A California couple is behind bars after they allegedly murdered their 1-year-old son, Jamari Mendez, and then went to a family function with his body in the back of their car.

Ricardo Mendez, 27, and Antanita Miller, 24, have been charged with torture, assault of a child, and murder according to police records.

Mendez and Miller arrived at a family member’s home unexpectedly with their two other children last Monday around 7 p.m. claiming Jamari was with Miller’s mother. Unbeknownst to the family, Jamari’s body was in the back of their car with a blanket on top.

Ricardo eventually told family members that Jamari had died and was still in their car according to Ricardo’s sister, Leslie Mendez. Leslie and her sister-in-law rushed his lifeless body to a local hospital while his parents stayed behind.

Despite best their best efforts to revive him, Jamari was pronounced dead immediately upon entering the hospital.

During their investigation, detectives assessed that Jamari’s injuries were consistent with ongoing abuse. He had visible signs of lesions, bruises, and burning marks. Police then found a torch lighter in the couple’s vehicle, noting how the burn marks on Jamari’s body were consistent with the lighter.

Both parents were soon arrested and will be in court on May 5 for their arraignment on murder, assault of a child causing death, and torture charges.

Leslie Mendez has started a GoFundMe campaign to cover the funeral costs.