Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Court Commissioner Calls West Allis Child-Abuse Case 'Worst He Has Seen' as Father Charged With Homicide, Mother With Neglect

Prosecutors say investigators documented extensive bruising inconsistent with a fall and recovered drugs and loaded guns from the home.

Overview

  • Devario S. Cruz, 21, is charged with physical abuse of a child resulting in death, first-degree reckless homicide, chronic neglect resulting in death, additional abuse and neglect counts, and possession with intent to deliver THC.
  • Charlotte M. Kurek, 31, is charged with chronic neglect of a child resulting in death and a separate chronic neglect count, and a no-contact order bars her from her other children.
  • Dante Campbell, 4, was found unresponsive on Oct. 18 near West Greenfield Avenue, taken to a hospital, and later pronounced dead.
  • A complaint describes at least 12 facial bruises and widespread injuries; investigators say Kurek’s stair-fall explanation did not match the evidence, and a child reported, “Daddy hurt me.”
  • Police say a search of the residence found nearly 600 grams of marijuana, scales, packaging materials, and loaded firearms; both defendants made initial appearances and are due back in court Oct. 29.