Full Notification

Sunnyside, WA- Sunnyside Police Department continues to investigate the death of a two year old boy that occurred in the City of Sunnyside recently. The autopsy of Benjamin Miron, DOB 02/19/2008, was conducted today by Yakima County Coroner Jack Hawkins. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma sustained by multiple blows to the torso. Sunnyside Police have taken Juan Balverde Lopez, 18 years old, into custody. He will be charged with Murder in the 2nd degree and transported to Yakima County Jail tomorrow morning.



The investigation has led Officers to believe that sometime during the night of August 24, 2010 Balverde, who is dating the mother of the victim, became agitated with the child, and this is when the injuries were sustained. There were a number of other people in the house, both juvenile and adult, none of whom witnessed the incident. The mother was not present at that time. The mother was being treated at Toppenish Community Hospital for unrelated issues.



Sunnyside Police Department Detectives continue to investigate this incident. If you have any information regarding this case please call 509.836.6200.





Suspect Information:



Lopez, Juan Balverde

DOB: 10/20/1990

City of Residence: Sunnyside, WA

Charges: Murder 2nd





Additional Information:



- This is Sunnyside Police Department case 10-8342.

- Sunnyside Police Department has been working with Department of Child and Family Services to ensure the proper care of the remaining children during this time.