Trinidad (CMC) – Police have detained two people in connection with the death of a two-year-old child whom health officials said had been the victim of sexual and physical abuse.
Police confirmed that Aaliyah Johnson was pronounced dead at the Siparia District Health Facility on Sunday night and that an 18-year-old woman and a 23-yer-old man had been detained in connection with her death.
Homicide officers said that they were awaiting the results of a post- mortem later today to determine the exact cause of death, but that from their preliminary inquiries, the child had been a victim of physical and sexual abuse.
Medical officials at the health institution reported that Aaliyah’s body bore bruises on the arms, legs, forehead and stomach. There were also marks on the child’s back.
Meanwhile, a 51-year-old man and a teenager are due in court later today charged with sex crimes against a five-year-old boy.
They face a total of 10 charges, including allegations of buggery, sexual assault and serious indecency.
Police last week raided a squatting area in South Trinidad, where the suspects were held.
Media reports said that the man used to lure his five-year-old neighbour to his home, then he and the teen would perform sexual acts on the child.
Police said this occurred several times over a year.
