***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2021

ELKHART COUNTY HOMICIDE UNIT INVESTIGATING CHILD ABUSE CASE

Media Contact: Vicki Elaine Becker (574) 296-1888

In the early morning hours of June 10, 2021, emergency responders were dispatched to Elkhart General Hospital in response to a report that a four (4) year old child had been beaten and was unresponsive. The child’s mother and a family friend advised law enforcement officials of the facts and circumstances of which they were aware. Law enforcement continued to gather information at the hospital, and immediately responded to an apartment in the 2800 block of Toledo Road, Elkhart, where one Christian Oneil Maradiaga (19) of Elkhart, was located and taken into custody. Probable Cause was found to support the arrest and a bond of $300,000 was set pending the filing of formal charges and further review.

At this time, the child’s prognosis is not optimistic, and the investigation is ongoing by the Elkhart County Homicide Unit (ECHU). Given the seriousness of the event, and the need for a thorough and complete assessment of the facts and circumstances of the event, official documents regarding probable cause for the arrest of Mr. Maradiaga are temporarily sealed and additional information will not be released at this time.

If anyone does have knowledge or information surrounding this matter, please contact Lt. Mike Carich or Detective Jackie Davis, ECHU, at 574-295-2825, as soon as possible.

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“Under Indiana law, all persons arrested for a criminal offense are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”