Toddler dies, mother’s boyfriend charged with murder now in ICE custody
By Taylor Locke
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LOUISA COUNTY, Virginia (WTVR) — A 29-year-old man is charged with murder and aggravated sexual assault in connection to the death of a 2-year-old girl in Louisa County, Virginia.
Raul Ortiz Moran, 29, of Mexico, faces charges of second-degree murder and aggravated sexual assault in connection to the July 4 death, according to the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office.
Louisa County Sheriff Donnie Lowe says the case began when Ortiz Moran, his girlfriend, and her toddler left their home in the 1500 block of Owens Creek Road in Louisa and showed up at the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office saying they needed emergency help for the child.
“Goochland deputies stepped in. The baby wasn’t conscious at the time. They tried to revive the baby along with the fire rescue that showed up immediately after, but their attempts were unsuccessful,” Lowe said.
The child was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in Henrico County, where she was pronounced deceased.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.
Deputies launched an investigation into what happened to the child after noticing numerous injuries to her head and body.
That same day, deputies went to the magistrate to request an arrest warrant for Ortiz Moran — they were denied and told to bring back more evidence.
When asked why the couple went to the sheriff’s office rather than a hospital, Lowe said he could not comment on that at this time.
He also said he could not yet disclose what led deputies to suspect Ortiz Moran in the toddler’s death.
Ortiz Moran was initially taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement based on his immigration status.
“We were afraid that he was going to bolt. So we called ICE, and yeah, they picked him up,” Lowe said.
Ortiz Moran will remain in federal custody without bond pending Louisa County judicial proceedings, a sheriff’s office spokesperson said.
“It’s a heartbreak to our community. It’s a heartbreak to every parent. It’s a heartbreak to every journalist that has to cover this, from every cop that has to deal with it,” Lowe said.. “It’s a total heartbreak. It’s not just devastating one family. You devastate a whole community when you do that, and I have no sympathy for them.”
Lowe says this remains an active investigation and that deputies are seeking any information that can help the case.
“I’m going to do everything in my power, in my ability, pull every resource I can, to put this man in jail for the rest of his life,” Lowe said.
CBS 6 reached out to the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office about its efforts in helping the child.
“This was a heartbreaking and tragic incident for everyone involved. I am incredibly proud of our deputies, who immediately responded with compassion and professionalism by doing everything they could to save this young child’s life. We extend our deepest condolences to the child’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time,” Sheriff Steven Creasey, Goochland County Sheriff, said. “I also want to recognize the outstanding work of the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office for their diligent investigation and commitment to pursuing justice. The Goochland County Sheriff’s Office will continue to assist in any way necessary as this case moves forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office at 540-967-1234 or Louisa Crime Solvers at 800-346-1466.
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