DAMIAN PERU - 4 Months - Safford/ Tucson AZ

A 4-month-old Safford baby died Saturday after he was allegedly assaulted by his mother's boyfriend.

Damian Michael Peru was not breathing when he was brought
to the Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center at about 10 a.m. on Saturday,
according to a press release from the Safford Police Department. Peru
was airlifted to The University of Arizona Medical Center-University
Campus in Tucson but succumbed to his injuries later that same day.

Safford detectives arrested the boyfriend of the child's mother,
Manuel Vincent Carrasco, 21, of Safford and booked him into the Graham
County Jail on charges of aggravated assault, child abuse and a warrant.
Carrasco was convicted of separate charges of burglary in the second degree and
theft in 2009 and had assault charges dropped after he pleaded guilty to
disorderly conduct in 2010. He was also charged with possession of a
dangerous drug (crystal methamphetamine) in 2010.
The Pima County Medical Examiner performed an autopsy on the child Sunday, but
authorities haven't received the report, according to Safford Police
Chief John Griffin. He said his department's investigation into the
death is ongoing and additional charges against Carrasco may be forthcoming.
http://www.eacourier.com/news/baby-killed-in-safford/article_c7df9b68-6ca0-11e1-9d07-0019bb2963f4.html

Death threats plague Carrasco: SWAT team provides security during hearing

Posted: Sunday, April 22, 2012 12:00 am
By Stephany Mae Robinson Staff Writer

Accused murderer Manuel Vincent Carrasco emerged from his jail cell under heavy security because of death threats and possible attempts on his life to face 15 charges that range from first-degree murder to aggravated assault, probation violations and alleged child abuse of four-month-old infant Damian Mikael Peru.

Carrasco’s preliminary hearing was held at the Graham County Courthouse on Tuesday, April 17.

Until that date, Carrasco’s court proceedings took place via video from his jail cell. At least 10 armed and armored guards from the Graham County Jail, the Sheriff’s Office and the Arizona Department of Corrections orchestrated tight security during the hearing and transport of Carrasco.

More than a month ago, Peru succumbed to his injuries at the University of Arizona Medical Center-University Campus in Tucson. Although several medical teams in Safford and Tucson provided emergency care to save the infant’s life, the time of death was officially noted at 7 p.m on March 10.

County Attorney Kenneth Angle presented charges against Carrasco during the preliminary hearing and sought to convince Justice of the Peace District 1 Gary Griffith of probable cause in the death of Peru. Defense attorney Rebecca Johnson represented Carrasco assisted by Attorney P. Donovan Riddle. The preliminary hearing followed the petition to revoke probation and lasted from about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“There’s no indication as to how the trauma occurred. The state’s theory is that we don’t know what happened, so he must have done it,” Johnson said.

Angle called several investigators to the stand and reviewed various statements and video surveillance gathered from the Super Eight Motel. During cross examination, a considerable amount of time was also spent on the unofficial blood test results, which indicated Carrasco’s use of meth-amphetamines while driving and caring for two children.

“His story is completely unbelievab-le,”Angle said. “What’s important is the extent of (Peru’s) injuries and who did it. There’s no way to point the finger at anyone else because there was no one else around.”

At the end of the day, Judge Griffith determined that there was enough probable cause to bind the case over to Superior Court. An official trial date, however, has not been scheduled. Judge R. Douglas Holt said early June is likely, but Carrasco may have to appear by video feed as a precautionary measure.

“It has been a long day, and the public has behaved remarkably well. A show of force is necessary and will continue as the need arises,” Holt said

http://www.eacourier.com/news/death-threats-plague-carrasco-swat-team-provides-security-during-hearing/article_cefa54fe-8b47-11e1-ab5c-001a4bcf887a.html

Carrasco sentenced to more than five years: Charges for probation violation announced

Posted: Sunday, May 13, 2012 12:00 am
By Stephany Mae Robinson Staff Writer

Alleged murderer and child abuser Manuel Vincent Carrasco, found himself in court again but this time facing charges of probation violation.

On May 10, Carrasco sat opposite Superior Court Judge R. Douglas Holt to hear testimony from the plaintiff, Graham County Attorney Kenneth Angle.

The testimony reviewed four petitions filed on the docket, which included failure to participate in counseling, failure to pay restitution fees, failure to notify the county when leaving city limits and possession of a significant amount of marijuana.

"We've given this defendant a lot of chances," Angle said.

In addition to his probation charges, both Angle and defense attorney Rebecca Johnson reviewed several burglary and trafficking incidents Carrasco and other accomplices were charged with. One case in particular included the burglary of a home that belonged to a resident who was an active duty military and stationed in Iraq.

Judge Holt expressed great concern in the fact that while the victim was defending the freedoms of those living in Safford, his was burglarized to the tune of $7,000.

"The victim was indeed fighting for our country," Holt said.

Several mitigating factors were reviewed during the trial, such as the fact that Carrasco was still a minor of 17 years when several of the crimes occurred. Another major factor expressed by the defense was that Carrasco came from a highly dysfunctional background that exposed him to drugs at a very young age.

"I want to make sure we are focusing on the factors at the time of the offense and not the present charges," Johnson said.

In the end, Judge Holt said that Carrasco was given several chances to show his compliance but was simply "unredemptive."

"There has been a failure, an utter failure, to comply. Mr. Carrasco has had plenty of opportunities to turn his life around, but he has simply chosen not to do so. That's why he's going to prison," Holt said.

Holt sentenced Carrasco to 3.7 years for one offense and 2.5 years for another. He was also given credit for time served. Though little was said about his current homicide and child abuse charges, there was some discussion about starting the pretrial in June.

http://www.eacourier.com/opinion/editorials/carrasco-sentenced-to-more-than-five-years-charges-for-probation/article_e6f25af0-9c92-11e1-b274-0019bb2963f4.html