Stepmother charged in connection with death of 3-year-old Roxbury boy

BOSTON — Police have charged a step-mother charged with assault in connection to the death of a 3-year-old boy in Roxbury.

Maria Buie, 26, from Roxbury, turned herself in to police around 10 a.m. Tuesday and was charged with assault and battery on a child.

The 3-year-old, Kanai Whyte, was found unresponsive on Jan. 30, when police responded to a home on Alpine Street.

On Tuesday, February 2, the boy was pronounced dead.

>> MORE: 3-year-old boy dies after being found unresponsive in Roxbury home

>> PHOTOS: 3-year-old boy dies after 'traumatic injuries'

The prosecutor said Tuesday the stepmother was the only person caring for him when he was hurt.

"The investigation determined that Maria Buie was the sole person to have care, custody and control of Kenai Whyte at the time he received his injuries," prosecutor Craig Iannini said.

The medical examiner hasn't ruled a cause of death yet, but the child suffered several injuries that included fractured vertebrae in the neck, retinal bleeding, bruising to and behind his ears, bruising to the top and rear of his scalp and forehead, scratches to his torso and a laceration to his genetalia.

"There's no direct evidence that she inflicted any of the harm alleged on a child that she loved,” defense attorney J.W. Carney countered.

Carney noted Buie’s husband, Kenai’s father, was in court supporting his wife.

“The investigation showed specifically that the victim appeared to be in good health, was acting normally and was free from any injury up until arriving at the home on 23 alpine street," Iannini said.

The official cause of death for the young boy is yet to be determined. The investigation remains ongoing.

The state child welfare agency had been involved with the family prior to the boy's death. The boy's father had legal custody.

"The Department of Children and Families appreciates the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and will continue its own internal investigation of the case in collaboration with investigators." -Andrea Grossman, DCF spokesperson

Cox Media Group