Sentencing Delayed For Indio Woman Convicted Of Killing Baby

Sentencing was rescheduled today to Dec. 10 for an Indio woman convicted in the beating death of her 20-month-old son.

Ana Cedillo, 27, was found guilty in June of second-degree murder, attempted assault of a child with force and child abuse in the Sept. 28, 2007, death of Oscar Zuniga Jr. She faces a life sentence.

Deputy District Attorney Chris Ross told jurors that the child suffered many injuries, including a ruptured lower intestine, bruising to the brain, hemorrhage of the optic nerve and a chipped tooth, as well as rib fractures that were inflicted at least 10 days before his death.

The toddler showed symptoms of vomiting, loss of appetite and fever for two days before he died, the prosecutor said.

The defendant did not like her son because the toddler favored his father, according to Ross.

Cedillo’s attorney, Mario Rodriguez, argued the child’s death was most likely accidental. The tot, who had developmental problems, would try to walk and often fell on a tile floor, he said.

The attorney also said Cedillo’s 7-year-old “hyperactive” son would often play with his younger brother and sometimes dropped him in the yard or kick him.

The child’s father, Oscar Zuniga Sr., pleaded guilty to child endangerment in December 2008 and received a two-year prison sentence.