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New details emerge in death of 4-year-old boy in West Allis; parents charged

New details emerge in death of 4-year-old boy in West Allis; parents charged
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Editor's Note: A previous version of this story mistakenly attributed some of Cruz's charges to Kurek.

The parents of 4-year-old Dante Campbell were charged in his death after the boy was found unresponsive Saturday in West Allis.

READ ALSO | Family remembers Dante Campbell as a vibrant child as police search for answers in his death

Devario Sincere Cruz and Charlotte Marrie Kurek were arrested after officers responded to a business near Highway 100 and Greenfield in West Allis, Saturday. Kurek was on her way to the hospital with Campbell when the dispatcher requested she stop at the business to perform CPR.

Cruz faces multiple felonies, including physical abuse of a child causing death, first-degree reckless homicide, chronic neglect resulting in death, physical abuse causing bodily harm to another child, chronic neglect of that child, and possession with intent to deliver marijuana.

Kurek faces two counts of chronic neglect of a child, with one consequence of death.

In newly released court documents, West Allis police and fire department members described the emotional impact they faced after discovering extensive bruising on Campbell's body.

Watch: New details emerge in death of 4-year-old boy in West Allis; parents charged

New details emerge in death of 4-year-old boy in West Allis; parents charged

Kurek told authorities her son had fallen down the stairs; however, further investigation showed his injuries were not consistent with a fall.

The charging document outlines an alleged long pattern of severe abuse from Cruz, including making children stand on Legos, hitting them with wood and striking the 4-year-old with a chair. Investigators say Cruz admitted to hitting the child the day before he was found unresponsive.

Several first responders were visibly affected by the condition of the child's body, the criminal complaint detailed. One police sergeant at the scene described seeing at least 12 distinct bruises on Campbell's face, as well as bruising throughout the rest of his body.

Memorial placed at home of Dante Campbell
A small memorial is forming at the home of 4-year-old Dante Campbell, who died over the weekend.

The sergeant said in 14 years of law enforcement, "this was the most extensive and severe injuries that I have witnessed on a child."

Campbell was taken to a local emergency room, where he was declared dead.

When Kurek and Cruz left the home to get medical attention for Campbell, they left three other children unattended in the home, the criminal complaint alleges. They also dropped Campbell's twin off with a sitter before seeking treatment for the boy.

During a search of the home, nearly 600 grams of marijuana, scales, packaging materials, and loaded firearms were found.

The criminal complaint also revealed there were multiple reports to Child Protective Services and an open case. CPS could not confirm or deny any reports of alleged abuse; however, public records show the state is now investigating how CPS handled Dante's case.

A growing memorial has been established at the apartment on South 92nd Street in West Allis to honor the life of 4-year-old Dante Campbell.


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