Battle Ground boy, 3, dies; man accused of murder

BATTLE GROUND, Wash. – A 3-year-old boy has died of his injuries at a hospital, and his mother’s boyfriend is being held on investigation of first-degree murder.

Police in the Clark County city of Battle Ground said they arrested 39-year-old Ricardo Gutierrez after officers responded to a disturbance call Monday evening. Police said officers had to force their way into the home, where they found Gutierrez and the injured boy.

Police said the boy was taken to a hospital in critical condition. He died Monday night.

Gutierrez lived at the home with the boy’s mother. He was booked into Clark County Jail.

Battle Ground police and a Clark County major crimes unit are investigating.