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Parents charged with baby’s murder in Indio believed it was God’s will, planned to flee to Mexico, according to court docs

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Two parents who are charged with the murder of their baby allegedly stated that their son's death was God's will and had plans to flee to Mexico once they made bail, according to court documents acquired by News Channel 3.

Last week, Daniel Alvarado Fernandez, 33, and Zue Itzayanna Flores Urias, 26 were arrested on suspicion of murder after officers responded to John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital for a report of parents who brought a deceased child with traumatic injuries to the hospital.

Urias and Fernandez were detained and taken to the Indio Police Department where they were both arrested at 12:15 p.m. on January 16.

The court document, a declaration in support of increased bail, revealed additional details surrounding the alleged murder.

After the suspects were detained, they were placed in a transport vehicle which had a recording device placed in it.

"During the conversation, they talked about the death of victim being (sic) Gods will and it wasn't his fault. Zue said she would always stay with him," read the declaration. "She also told Leonardo she told the kids not to speak to the police. Leonardo then stated that when they bail out, they will head straight to Mexico. Both suspects were born in Mexico. Based on these statements I believe both suspects are a flight risk and should (be) held without bail."

Earlier in the declaration, it was revealed that Daniel Alvarado Fernandez had reportedly admitted during questioning to abusing the child, then shaking him until he stopped breathing. Urias reportedly witnessed the physical abuse.

"Zue stated she watched Leonardo shake victim until he (victim) went limp and then didn't check on victim until 30 minutes later. At JFK Hospital, victim was pronounced dead upon arrival. Zue also stated she did nothing to attempt to stop the abuse," read the declaration. "Victim had a cut to the right eye, black eye, bruises to the back, chest, face, legs, and bottom of his feet. During the interview I asked Zue if she told the other three kids she has to not speak to the police. She denied that statement."

Both suspects entered not guilty pleas in Indio court on Tuesday. Fernandez also faces a charge of torture and two counts of willful cruelty to a child and assault on a child under 8 years old resulting in death.

Indio Police Department's original release on the incident did not specify the victim's gender and also listed the victim's age as 3-months-old. The declaration specified that the child was a 2-month-old boy.

Read the felony complaint and bail increase declaration below:

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Sam Benson Smith

Sam Benson Smith is the Digital Content Director for Gulf California Broadcasting. Learn more about Sam here.

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