Daily Sun News
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Juan Balverde Lopez
YAKIMA - A judge in Yakima County Superior Court last Friday set bail for Juan Balverde Lopez, 18, of Sunnyside at $1 million during a preliminary hearing.
Lopez is accused of beating 2-year-old Benjamin Miron of Sunnyside severely enough to cause the toddler's death last Wednesday.
Yakima County Coroner Jack Hawkins completed an autopsy of the youngster's body last Thursday and concluded the child had suffered severe blows to his upper torso, a beating that was conducted with force inconsistent with child play.
The Sunnyside Police Department is requesting Lopez be charged with second degree murder, and he was appointed an attorney during Friday's preliminary hearing proceedings.
Also assigned to the case is Prosecutor Patti Powers, who will decide what charges will be filed. That decision is expected by tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon.
Lopez's appearance in court last Friday was in question.
Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Susan Arb handles preliminary hearings and arraignments for the Yakima County Prosecutor's Office. She said she was told by medical staff at the Yakima County Jail that Lopez may not make it to court due to medical reasons. A short while later, the staff cleared him for his appearance in court.
Arb said it is not clear as to why his appearance in court was in question. "Due to Hippa laws, they don't give us a reason," she stated.
When questioned as to Lopez's appearance in court, she said she did not see any outward signs that would cause her concern for his health.
Lopez is accused of beating Miron last Tuesday while he was babysitting the youngster. He told police investigating the child's death the youngster would not stay in bed. To punish the child's behavior, he struck the youngster two times in the abdomen, according to court records.
The following morning, Lopez took the youngster to Toppenish Community Hospital, where Miron's mother, Pia Miron, 25, was being given medical care.
Police were alerted to the child's death and brought in to investigate, but it is unknown why Lopez took the child to the hospital.
Lopez's arraignment is set for Friday, Sept. 10, at 1:30 p.m. in Yakima County Superior Court.
