Father and stepmother charged with torture and murder of girl, 11, burned her with a BBQ fork, kicked her at full strength and handcuffed her to TV stand at night during months of horrific abuse before her death
Rene Diaz, 30, and stepmom Crystal Diaz, 29, were charged with torture, mayhem, and four counts of child abuse in the death of 11-year-old Annai Diaz
Investigators have traced the abuse back to October 2020, when the couple say they suspected Annai was stealing depression medication and drinking bleach
The couple allegedly punished Annai by beating her with a spoon, punching and kicking her at full strength and burning her skin with a barbeque fork
Memorial vigil held for 11-year-old Rodeo girl found tortured and abused
Vigil held for 11-year-old Rodeo girl found tortured and abused
An emotional vigil was held Sunday night for an 11-year-old girl from Rodeo. Authorities accuse her stepmother and father of torturing and abusing her. Azenith Smith reports
RODEO, Calif. - An emotional vigil was held Sunday night for an 11-year-old girl from Rodeo. Authorities accuse her stepmother and father of torturing and abusing her to death.
Back on March 23, the fifth-grader s body was found in her parents’ home after first responders were called for a medical emergency. Authorities found Annai with bruises and burns. The cause of her death is still under investigation.
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Neighbor Allen Jones described the scene outside Diaz family’s home two weeks ago.
“It was 3 a.m. I woke up to go to the bathroom and the whole front of the yard look like a UFO out there lights and everything,” he said.
Investigators said that Crystal and Rene Diaz, Annai s stepmother and father called 911 to report Annai needed help.
Authorities say when the ambulance arrived, Annai was pronounced dead in her parents’ room, covered in bruises and burns.
“The extent of her injuries on her body were tremendous shocking and help support the charges the defendants are charged with,” said Derek Butts, Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney.