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Charges upgraded to capital murder after toddler in child abuse case dies

The suspect's charges have been upgraded to capital murder following the death of the two-year-old.

ODESSA, TX (KWES) - UPDATE: 1:45 p.m. 8/9

The suspect's charges have been upgraded to capital murder following the death of the two-year-old.

An autopsy will be performed in Lubbock next week.

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An Odessa man has been arrested in connection to a child abuse investigation.

Marqalo Divonte Flores, 20, has been charged with Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury "1st Degree Felony".

Officers responded to a call at approximately 12:40 a.m. on August 7. The call involved a two-year-old child who was reportedly unresponsive.

After officers arrived at the scene, the child was transported to Medical Center Hospital and was later lifted to University Medical Center Hospital in Lubbock with life-threatening injuries.

Investigators found Flores had been watching his girlfriend's child at the Park Ridge Apartments when the child had sustained serious bodily injury.

Flores told officers that the child had fallen off of the bed onto the carpet between the bed and the dresser. However, a child abuse expert advised that the injuries were consistent with child abuse.

Odessa police then obtained a warrant for Flores. Flores was taken into custody on August 7 at approximately 7 p.m. and was transported to the ECLEC.

The victim died after being flown to a Lubbock hospital.

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