FRESNO (KMJ) — The arraignment of a man accused of killing a toddler in Calwa has been delayed, but Gage Hurtado’s time inside the courtroom prompted a clash between families there to see the start of the judicial process.
The suspect appeared inside Fresno County Superior Court Monday morning to answer to the charge of murder, following the child’s death on Wednesday September 20th.
“The boy was apparently taking a nap in his room, the man went in there to check on him, he looked peaceful,” explained Fresno County Sheriff’s Office’s Tony Botti.
“Then he decided to take a closer examination and he was unresponsive.”
Botti confirmed Hurtado was in a relationship with the boy’s mother, but was not the boy’s father.
Hurtado looked anxious and scared inside the courtroom, and spoke quietly to answer the judge’s questions. The 24 year old did not enter a plea, but instead had the arraignment delayed until October 12th. His bail has been set at $1 million.
The families of both the victim and the suspect came together outside the courtroom.
Gage Hurtado’s arraignment delayed. Facing murder charges in toddler death. Family on both sides clashed after hearing (some bad language). pic.twitter.com/I8BtAqrGaX
— Dom McAndrew (@DomMcAndrew) September 25, 2017
“Taking my nephews life wasn’t enough?” asked Juan Bautista, who later identified himself as the mother’s uncle. His question was directed towards a man who earlier revealed that his girlfriend was the suspect’s brother. He did not reply to the question.
“We’re just devastated, the family is very hurt,” revealed Bautista a few minutes later. Speaking outside Fresno County Superior Court he said the family is saddened by the details that are now slowly coming out.
“How can someone hurt a child that can’t do anything. It’s just a very sad story.”
He stated that he just wants justice for the death of a boy yet to see his second birthday.
“He’s a poor kid. Can’t defend himself, can’t say anything. Barely knew how to walk, talk. It’s a sad story.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
