A 6‑year‑old Florida boy, Mason, who was autistic, has died from injuries allegedly inflicted by his mother’s boyfriend, Daniel Eduardo Romero. Mason was found in cardiac arrest at his home in North Miami Beach and taken to a hospital in critical condition on Jan. 9; his grandmother confirmed he was taken off the ventilator and died on Friday, Feb. 27, after weeks in the hospital.
Extent of the injuries
After Mason’s hospitalization, doctors documented internal brain bleeding, a fractured arm, bruising on his face and back, swelling on his head, and lacerations to the liver, kidney, and spleen, among other serious injuries, according to public arrest records.
Arrests and charges
Romero, 34, was arrested two days after the incident, on Jan. 11, after giving conflicting accounts of what happened; he now faces two counts of aggravated child abuse causing great bodily harm, child neglect causing great bodily harm, and providing false information to law enforcement, and is being held without bond.
Mason’s mother, Cynthia Elaine Hernandez, 32, later surrendered to authorities and was charged with child abuse, child neglect causing great bodily harm, and providing false information to law enforcement; she pleaded not guilty and was released on a $7,500 bond.
Family statements and ongoing questions
Hernandez told investigators she believed Romero caused her son’s injuries, alleging he became frequently frustrated with Mason’s autism‑related behaviors and with their 5‑month‑old baby crying. Her attorney, Hugo Apellaniz, has called her a “victim” at the hands of Romero and criticized the North Miami Beach Police Department for arresting her. It is currently unknown whether Romero and Hernandez will face additional charges now that Mason has died.
