Florida Mother Accused of Lying to Police After Boyfriend Nearly Beat Her Autistic 6-Year-Old Son to Death, Authorities Say

MIAMI, FLORIDA — A Florida mother is facing multiple criminal charges after police say she knowingly lied to investigators and failed to protect her autistic 6-year-old son following a brutal assault that left the child in critical condition.

According to Miami-Dade County jail records, Cynthia Hernandez, 32, has been charged with child neglect resulting in great bodily harm, failure to report child abuse or neglect, and providing false information to law enforcement.

Authorities say the charges stem from Hernandez’s actions after her boyfriend, Daniel Eduardo Romero, 34, allegedly nearly beat her young son to death earlier this month.

Child Found in Cardiac Arrest at Miami Home

The investigation began when police responded to a home on Northeast 179th Street in Miami after receiving a report of a 6-year-old child in cardiac arrest, according to an arrest report.

When officers arrived, the boy was unresponsive and had no detectable pulse. Police immediately began CPR until paramedics arrived and restored his heartbeat. The child was transported to Jackson North Hospital, with Hernandez accompanying him.

Due to the severity of his injuries, the boy was later transferred to Holtz Children’s Hospital for specialized treatment.

Boyfriend Gave Shifting Stories About Injuries

Romero allegedly told officers he had been teaching the boy to ride a bicycle, claiming the child fell the day before and suffered bruises and scratches to his face and forehead.

However, police say Romero could not produce a bicycle when asked.

Authorities allege Romero then changed his story, claiming the boy fell while playing on a wagon. The wagon shown to officers reportedly had a broken wheel, appeared weathered, and did not appear to be in use.

Romero told investigators he did not believe the child was seriously hurt and therefore did not seek medical attention. According to police, the boy became increasingly lethargic the next morning before losing consciousness, prompting the 911 call.

Mother Initially Backed False Story, Police Say

Police said Hernandez initially repeated the bike accident story, but later admitted she only said what Romero instructed her to say.

According to investigators, Hernandez later explained that when she woke up, she found Romero next to her son. Romero allegedly told her the boy had fallen from the bed, hitting his head on a television and a food stand.

Hernandez told police she noticed swelling on the back of the boy’s head, a small cut with bleeding, and a swollen arm. She said she gave him medication, applied ice, and then left the home.

Injuries Worsened After Mother Left, Police Say

When Hernandez returned home, police say she found her son with additional injuries, including a large lump on his forehead and scratches on his face.

Romero allegedly claimed he caused the injuries by slipping and falling while running in socks. Police say he later coached Hernandez to stick with the bike story if questioned.

Eventually, Hernandez told investigators she believed Romero was responsible for the abuse.

Police Say Boy Suffered Extensive Internal Injuries

Doctors at Holtz Children’s Hospital discovered the boy had suffered internal bleeding in his brain and abdomen, lacerations to his liver, kidney, and spleen, a fractured left arm, and extensive bruising to his face, back, and head.

A medical professional told police the injuries could not have been caused accidentally and were consistent with severe blunt force trauma.

Family Says Child Was Treated “Like He Was Nothing”

The child’s grandmother spoke emotionally about the case.

“You hurt my child, you hurt my grandson to the core,” she said. “You beat on a 6-year-old autistic boy like he was nothing.”

Police said Hernandez later told investigators that Romero was frequently irritated by the child’s autistic behaviors and their 5-month-old baby’s crying. She also claimed Romero harbored anger toward the boy’s biological father.

Defense Attorney Claims Mother Is Also a Victim

An attorney representing Hernandez criticized police for charging her, calling her a victim of abuse herself.

“We are extremely disappointed that the police department has decided to arrest and press charges against a mother who is nothing more than a victim,” attorney Hugo Apellaniz said in a statement. “The police are aware that our client is also a victim at the hands of Daniel Romero.”

Suspects Remain in Custody

Romero is currently being held without bond, jail records show. Hernandez remains in custody awaiting a bond determination.

The child remains hospitalized as authorities continue to investigate.

As the case unfolds, it has drawn renewed attention to child abuse reporting responsibilities and the dangers of failing to intervene in violent domestic situations. For continued updates on court proceedings, public safety investigations, and major criminal cases across Florida, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.