A heartbreaking case of child abuse has come to light in Manassas, Virginia, where three adults are now behind bars after a 4-year-old boy lost his life due to extreme cruelty. Authorities say the child suffered horrific abuse before his tragic death.
The accused are 53-year-old Rebecca Ann Romero, 22-year-old Shanyah Elizabeth Dilda, and 18-year-old Kemmilyn Anita Wade. Romero and Dilda face charges of aggravated murder, felony murder, and felony child abuse and neglect, while Wade is charged with felony murder and felony child abuse and neglect. All three were living in Manassas, a town about 30 miles from Washington, D.C.
Police have not released the boy’s name because of his young age, but they have confirmed that he and his 5-year-old sister were subjected to long-term abuse and neglect. Investigators say the three women had been responsible for caring for the children since August 2023 after their parents left them in their care.
The nightmare came to an end on January 19 when officers responded to a call and found the boy unconscious. Paramedics tried to revive him with CPR and rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he did not survive. While authorities haven’t revealed his exact cause of death, what they discovered inside the home on Shallow Creek Loop was deeply disturbing.
According to police, text messages between Romero and Dilda revealed chilling details of the abuse. In one conversation, they allegedly discussed putting the little boy inside a plastic bag while he was in the bathtub. When the child managed to get out of the bag to eat candy and a banana, Dilda was reportedly angry, according to court documents.
Investigators say the abuse was ongoing and relentless. The boy was regularly wrapped in plastic wrap and packing tape, leaving him severely malnourished and dehydrated. A photo taken just a day before his death showed him wrapped tightly in plastic from his shoulders to his feet, taped to a mattress covered with garbage bags. A pillow, also taped to the mattress, covered his head.
Authorities say the 5-year-old sister also suffered similar abuse. Both children were repeatedly deprived of food and water.
Detectives worked quickly to gather evidence, and by January 30, all three suspects were arrested. They are now being held without bond at the Prince William-Manassas Adult Detention Center.
The surviving children in the home, including the boy’s sister and two other children aged 12 and 14, have been placed in the custody of Child Protective Services.
This shocking case has shaken the local community, and many are demanding justice for the innocent child who suffered so much. Authorities continue to investigate the case, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
