Photo 138415583 © Viorel Margineanu | Dreamstime.com

4-year-old victim of child abuse case dies, mom facing new charges — Photo 138415583 © Viorel Margineanu | Dreamstime.com

EVANSVILLE, IN – On Sunday, June 16, 2024, the 4-year-old victim involved in a severe neglect case, Octavia Aquino, passed away. As a result, Destiny F. Rhoades’ charge has been upgraded from Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury to Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death, a level 1 felony.

Rhoades’ 16-year-old boyfriend, Christian T. Gonzalez, who was initially charged with Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, has been charged with Murder, a level 1 felony. Gonzalez appeared in juvenile court and has been waived to adult court. He has been transported to the Vanderburgh County Confinement Center. An autopsy for Octavia Aquino is scheduled for this week.

Earlier, on June 17, 2024, around 9:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 4500 block of Spring Valley Road for a medical emergency. The roommate found the 4-year-old unresponsive. Emergency services attempted to revive her, but she was transported to the hospital with very little brain activity. Rhoades, 23, was at work during the incident and returned to find her daughter unresponsive.

The investigation revealed troubling details. Rhoades and her juvenile boyfriend had arrived in Evansville earlier this year. In February, the 16-year-old, then 15, was reported missing from Fort Wayne, IN. After being located with Rhoades, he was placed in youth care facilities but fled. He was later found again with Rhoades.

Rhoades was previously arrested for Contributing to Delinquency of a Minor, a level 4 felony. She returned to Evansville for a court date in April, around the time the 16-year-old went missing again. During the investigation, it was discovered that Rhoades’ daughter had visible bruises, a bite mark, and exhibited signs of distress the night before her death. These incidents were not reported to law enforcement or medical staff.

Rhoades was initially arrested on charges of Neglect of a Dependent (Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury), Contributing to Delinquency of a Minor, and Invasion of Privacy. Gonzalez was initially arrested for Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and False Informing.

The Evansville Police Department’s Juvenile Unit and Adult Investigations Unit continue to work diligently on this case, which has now led to more severe charges following the tragic death of the child.

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