Dad And Stepmom Charged In Torture Death Of 14-Month-Old Girl In Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CA — The father and stepmother of a 14-month-old girl who police said was fatally tortured in Long Beach were charged Monday with murder and other counts.

Alfredo Muñoz, 40, and Kelly Muñoz, 34, both of Long Beach, were also charged with torture and assault on a child causing death, according to the District Attorney's Office.

According to Long Beach police, officers initially responded to a hospital on Nov. 7 due to reports of child abuse involving a toddler. Later that day, detectives were told by hospital staff that the girl was on life support and had no chance of survival. The child — whose name was not released due to her age — died Nov. 10, police said.

"Through their continued investigation, homicide detectives determined there had been on-going abuse to the child and the victim's death was a result of abuse from her father and stepmother," according to a police statement.

The father and stepmother were arrested last Tuesday. Both were being held without bail.

The exact nature of the abuse was not released, but police said the child had visible signs of trauma.

Anyone with additional information was asked to contact homicide detectives Ethan Shear or Kelsey Myers at 562-570-7244. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.

Copyright 2025, City News Service, Inc.