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Official: Man charged in connection to son's death

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The Associated Press

Published: July 29, 2009

KISSIMMEE - Authorities say a man in central Florida has been charged with felony murder in connection to his 5-year-old son's death.

Authorities say Melvin Ortiz, 28, is also charged with domestic and aggravated battery. Frances Marie Rodriguez, 24, Ortiz's live-in girlfriend, faces battery and child neglect charges. An Osceola jail official said both are being held without bond.

Ortiz allegedly beat his son severely after the boy struck Rodriguez, deputies said.

Authorities say Rodriguez told them that the boy fell at a playground and appeared to be losing consciousness.

He stopped breathing and later died at a hospital Friday.

Forensic reports said that blunt force trauma to the abdomen and chest were listed as the causes of death.

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