This article was originally published by Ruth Brown in the Idaho Statesman.
The father and stepmother of a 9-year-old Meridian boy who diedthis month remain in custody and are set to appear in court next week for their suspected roles in the boy’s death.
Emrik Osuna, 9, was declared dead at around 1:30 a.m. Sept. 2, after Meridian Police responded to his home the night of Sept. 1. When officers arrived, the child did not have a heartbeat. Police said the boy showed signs of abuse. He was transported to a hospital, where he died.
The child’s stepmother, Monique Osuna, 27, is charged on suspicion of first-degree murder. His father, Erik Osuna, 29, is charged on suspicion of felony injury to child involving great bodily harm and misdemeanor concealment of evidence.
Copies of the criminal complaints outline alleged abuse dating back to at least April 14. The Ada County Coroner’s Office has not yet revealed the child’s cause of death.
The complaint on Monique Osuna alleges that she knowingly killed Emrik by “kicking him in the legs, buttocks, torso, and back causing severe skin injuries and/or bruising, and/or causing multiple blunt force injuries.” It goes on to allege that she tortured the boy by hitting him with fists, frying pans, wooden spoons and a backscratcher. She’s accused of hitting him in the torso, head and legs, and kicking him.
The woman is accused of making him do “constant physical exercises,” such as jumping jacks, wall sits or standing on one leg. It claims that she withheld food from the child and locked him in a small closet at night.
Emrik suffered from dehydration and malnutrition, which may have caused his death, according to the complaint.
The criminal complaint in Erik Osuna’s case alleges that the man knew his wife was “continuing to inflict repeated acts of violence upon (the child)., and/or while having duty to protect (him) did knowingly elect not to seek medical attention for the injuries.”
Prosecutors allege that Erik Osuna had a “reckless disregard” for his son’s safety. His concealment-of-evidence charge was filed when police alleged that he tried to hide video surveillance “knowing that video surveillance was about to be produced, used or discovered as evidence in an investigation authorized by law, and with the intent to prevent it from being so produced, used, or discovered.”
Monique Osuna and Erik Osuna have their bonds set at $2 million apiece, but Erik Osuna has a federal hold that prevents him from posting bail. Both remained in custody Wednesday; their next court date was set for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 17.
Three other children who lived in the home, ages 9, 4, and 4 months, were placed in protective custody with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
HOW TO REPORT CHILD ABUSE?
To report suspected child abuse in Idaho, Health and Welfare has several ways residents may report abuse or neglect.
- Statewide: 1-855-552-KIDS (5437)
- Treasure Valley: 208-334-KIDS (5437)
- Idaho CareLine at 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588.
