Yuma child abuse convict sentenced
Valeria Rodriguez
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A Yuma man was sentenced in court Thursday morning.
41-year-old Christiano Toilolo was arrested on Friday, May 24, 2024 for multiple offenses, including child abuse and aggravated assault.
Toilolo was sentenced to 17 years in prison on one count of child abuse, along with 36 months of probation for aggravated assault one released from jail after accepting a plea deal last month.
Prior to the arrest, the Yuma Police Department (YPD) said they were notified on Tuesday, May 21, by the Arizona Department of Child Safety about a five-month-old child who had head injuries.
The child was flown from Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for further treatment.
YPD said detectives worked with Phoenix police and the Department of Child Safety where the situation happened in the area of 38th Street and Avenue 12 1/2 E. YPD also said officers arrested Toilolo, who is the father of the child.
Those impacted by his crime had the opportunity to speak, but only Toilolo addressed the court.
“I just wanna say your honor, I would like to apologize to the state of Arizona and my family. This has taken a toll on me,” Toilolo expressed, adding that he hopes to come out of prison as a better man. “I shall redeem myself and use myself for the better good. Also use this time to heal the unspoken wounds. Thank you for hearing my voice and God bless you.”
Toilolo was taken to the Arizona Department of Corrections to serve his sentence and is set to be released in 2041.