26-Year-Old MN Man Gets 25 Years After Killing Toddler, Hurting Baby

ST. PAUL, MN — A Freeborn County, Minnesota court has sentenced Austin Navarro to 25 years in prison for the July 2023 murder of his then-girlfriend's 2-year-old child. In addition, Navarro received a concurrent 32-month sentence for assaulting his 12-week-old son.

Navarro, 26, pleaded guilty on Sept. 18 to charges of second-degree murder and third-degree assault.

While the presumptive sentence for second-degree murder under state sentencing guidelines was 240 months, the court imposed a 300-month sentence as part of a plea agreement.

The longer sentence was justified by aggravating factors, including Navarro's position of authority over the victim, the child's vulnerable age, and the particularly cruel nature of the injuries inflicted.

On the morning of July 6, 2023, Navarro physically assaulted two young children while they were in his care, authorities said.

At the plea hearing, Navarro admitted he punched and kicked both children multiple times.

The 2-year-old child sustained multiple blunt force injuries, including broken ribs, a lacerated liver, and a traumatic brain injury. Despite extensive life-saving efforts, the toddler died the same day.

The 12-week-old infant survived the assault but sustained several injuries to his head and body, including fractured ribs, according to authorities.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office prosecuted the case at the request of Freeborn County Attorney David Walker.

"My heart goes out Austin Navarro’s victims, as well as their families. While nothing can undo the pain Navarro caused, I hope that Navarro’s conviction is able to bring them some measure of solace," said Ellison in a statement.

"My Office will continue working to improve public safety across our state by partnering with county attorneys and prosecuting criminals who pose a danger to their fellow Minnesotans."

Ellison thanked the Albert Lea Police Department and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, who assisted in investigating and prosecuting this crime.