Meridian father now faces first-degree murder charge in death of 9-year-old son
The father of 9-year-old Emrik Osuna, who died last month after what police say was persistent abuse, has been charged with first-degree murder.
Prosecutors added the charge recently for Erik Osuna, 29, of Meridian. Initially, only Monique Osuna, Emrik’s stepmother, was charged with murder.
Erik Osuna also faces charges of destruction of evidence and felony injury to child. Prosecutors alleged that Erik Osuna knew about the abuse his wife inflicted on the boy but failed to intervene.
Erik Osuna was arraigned in front of Magistrate Judge Karen Vehlow on charges of first-degree murder “with malice and forethought” in a preliminary hearing in Ada County on Thursday, according to KIVI-TV. If convicted, he faces the possibility of the death penalty or life in prison.
The complaint against Erik Osuna revealed that he allegedly used force and violence against the child, including “repeatedly striking Emrik Osuna in the torso, head, legs and buttocks with a hand, frying pans, spoons, and other objects or by kicking Emrik Osuna and or by dragging (him) by his hair and/or causing multiple blunt force injuries by which Emrik Osuna died,” according to the KIVI-TV report.
Erik Osuna is due in court again on Oct. 8.
The allegations against Monique Osuna, 27, include that she made him do “constant physical exercises,” such as jumping jacks, wall sits or standing on one leg, and that she withheld food from the child and locked him in a small closet at night.
Both Erik and Monique Osuna remain in custody at the Ada County Jail.
