2 Charged In Beating Death Of 2-Year-Old Girl: Philly DA

Philadelphia PA

15 March, 2021

4:47 PM

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PHILADELPHIA — Two people have been charged with the murder in connection with the beating death of a 2-year-old girl last week, authorities said. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said Yaritza Cirilo-Fuentes, 32, and Helen Smith, 42, are charged with murder, possession of an instrument of crime, endangering the welfare of a child, and related crimes. The child died on Thursday after being physically abused for several months, authorities said. The child was taken from Tacony to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in critical condition and later succumbed to her injuries as a result of blunt force trauma. Her death was ruled a homicide by the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office Smith was the victim's babysitter, the DA's office said. To report child abuse, contact the City of Philadelphia's Department of Human Services Child Abuse Hotline 215-683-6100. Anyone with additional information that can assist investigators should call the Philadelphia Police Department's anonymous tip line at 215-686-8477.