QUEENS, N.Y. — A Richmond Hill man has been indicted on attempted murder and other charges for allegedly beating his 8-year-old stepson so severely that the child suffered fractures, internal injuries, and required weeks of hospitalization.
The boy’s mother was also indicted for a separate assault on the child.
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, 43-year-old Davien Reid Sr. allegedly attacked the child after accusing him of eating brownies intended for him. Reid is accused of striking the boy, throwing him to the ground, and stomping on him, causing severe injuries to his neck, back, and internal organs. Prosecutors say he then forced the child to lick his own vomit off the floor.
The child’s mother, 31-year-old Dayanara Vargas, was charged with assault and endangering the welfare of a child for a separate incident in which she allegedly hit her son on the head with a broom, causing a wound that required staples.
“This was brutal,” said Katz. “Thankfully, the victim and his siblings are all now safe and we will get justice for this child.”
Reid faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, assault, witness intimidation, and child endangerment, and could receive up to 25 years in prison if convicted. Vargas faces up to seven years for her charges. Both are due back in court on April 11.
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Authorities removed all children from the home following the investigation.