Slain toddler found dead in park, covered in burns, bruises & scratches: Prosecutor

More details regarding the death of a 3-year-old Las Vegas boy emerged at Tuesday’s bail hearing for the couple arrested after police discovered the child’s body Monday, near Lake Mead.

Justice of the Peace William Jansen set bail at $100,000 for Cassie Smith, 20, and Joshua Oxford, 40, in regards to child abuse charges involving Daniel Theriot’s younger brother. KLAS reported that the pair will appear in court Wednesday to face charges related to Smith’s slain son, though it’s unclear whether they’ve been formally charged for his murder.

The judge mentioned Tuesday that the allegations against the couple were “very, very serious.” Prosecutor Brandon Albright said Theriot’s body showed extensive signs of abuse, including burns, bruises, hemorrhaging, and scratches, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

[Image: Cassie Smith, Joshua Oxford/Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department]
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Smith reported her son missing Sunday morning, claiming he vanished in Sunset Park while she took a phone call. It was the following morning when police found the toddler’s body outside the confines of Lake Mead Recreational Park.

READ More: DEVELOPING: Mom, boyfriend face murder charges after cops find toddler boy’s body in park a day after mom reports him missing

Police had suspicions about Smith’s story early on. According to the Review-Journal, park-goers didn’t recall seeing the mother and son together on the day in question. Authorities also noted that Smith claimed she took Theriot to feed ducks at Sunset Park—even though Lorenzi Park was within walking distance.

Police also believe the toddler was killed 12 hours before he was reported missing.

While it’s not yet known how the toddler died, Homicide Lieutenant Ray Spencer said the circumstances surrounding his death are “absolutely disturbing.”

LIVE: Cassie Smith is now in court on the case involving her 3-year-old son.

Posted by 8 News Now on Tuesday, September 4, 2018

[Featured Image: Daniel Theriot/Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department]