BELLA VISTA (KFSM)- The Department of Human Services investigated two allegations regarding Maurice Isaiah Torres prior to his death on March 30 at a Bella Vista hospital, according to documents released by DHS Friday (April 10).
Isaiah’s biological parents, Mauricio Alejandro Torres, 45, and Cathy Lynn Torres, 43, were arrested Monday (April 6) and are facing charges of capital murder, rape and first-degree battery in connection to his death, according to the Benton County prosecutor.
An autopsy ruled Isaiah’s death was a homicide caused by injuries related to rape and chronic child abuse, according to the probable cause affidavits for Mauricio and Cathy Torres.
In 2014 DHS investigated two claims involving the Torreses: one had to with “inadequate supervision” on January 22 and the other had to with “cuts, bruises and welts” on March 20, according to the DHS documents. Both claims were found to be unsubstantiated.
The documents also show there were two other cases opened involving the Torreses in 2002 and 2004, but both have been closed for years. The 2002 case was closed in 2003 and the 2004 case was closed in 2007. According to the documents, the cases involved DHS taking other children from the Torreses to put them in foster care.
To read the full DHS document, click here.
According to the Benton County prosecutor, Isaiah was home schooled at the time of his death. However, he did attend the Ambassadors of Christ Academy in Bentonville during the 2013-2014 school year and left in May 2014, according to a statement from the school.
During Isaiah’s time at the academy, DHS was hot-lined with their concerns about his well-being and the school is in full cooperation with all appropriate authorities, according to the statement.
“The Ambassadors of Christ Academy is grieving the loss of Isaiah, a precious little boy, as we feel certain the entire community is,” the statement from the school reads.
The academy couldn’t comment further because of the ongoing investigation.
Mauricio and Cathy Torres next court date has been moved to May 4, according to the Benton County prosecutor’s office.
