HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (CBS12) — A South Florida couple appeared in court Thursday facing serious charges in the death of their three-week-old son, a case investigators say involves both abuse and an attempted cover-up.
Crystal Garcia, 21, and Anfernee Watts, 25, are accused in connection with the infant’s death at a home in Hollywood last year. Garcia is charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child, neglect of a child causing great bodily harm, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. Watts also faces charges related to the alleged cover-up.
According to Hollywood police, officers were called about eight months ago to a home on Thomas Street after Garcia and Watts dialed 911 to report their newborn was unresponsive. Investigators say the infant was found dead inside a playpen.
Court records show the couple initially told detectives that Watts had left the home early in the morning for a job interview and returned to find Garcia with the unresponsive baby, who was cold to the touch. Authorities say that the account later unraveled.
Police allege the couple lied to investigators “the entire time,” and that evidence gathered during the investigation contradicted their statements. Detectives ultimately determined Watts never left the home, according to court documents.
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Investigators say Garcia later admitted during questioning that she wrapped the crying infant in a blanket, secured a pacifier in his mouth, strapped him into a car seat, and placed him inside a bathtub. Authorities allege the couple then slept for nearly seven hours while playing loud music to drown out the baby’s cries.
The baby’s maternal grandmother, who owns the home where the death occurred, declined to comment to WPLG when contacted on Thursday.
Neighbors who recalled seeing the infant shortly after his birth said they were shocked by the allegations and expressed sadness over both the child’s death and the arrests.
During the court hearing, a judge found probable cause for the charges against the couple. Garcia and Watts remain in custody as the case moves forward.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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