Boy charged with fatally beating little brother

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- A 12-year-old Jacksonville boy has been formally charged with beating his 2-year-old brother to death earlier this year.

A Duval County grand jury indicted Christian Fernandez on a first-degree murder charge Thursday. He will be tried as an adult.

Police say have been investigating Fernandez since officers responded to the family's home in March.

Police say the boy's mother initially told investigators the younger boy, David Galarriago, was hurt in a fall. The mother is being charged with manslaughter by culpable negligence.

Because Fernandez is a juvenile, he cannot be executed. He faces a possible life sentence if convicted.

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Information from: The Florida Times-Union, http://www.jacksonville.com

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