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'Just A Tragedy': District Attorney Reacts To Toddler Killed Case

GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4)- Jefferson County's District Attorney says it's "emotionally charged" when describing the case of a toddler who was allegedly killed at the hands of a family member.

On Tuesday, Roman Morales appeared in Jefferson County Court where he was formally advised of the three charges filed against him that include first-degree murder after deliberation and child abuse causing death.

Morales, 21, is the cousin of the toddler he is suspected of killing.

Roman Morales
Roman Morales in Jefferson County Court in September 2015 (credit: CBS)

Donny Ro'mello Romero was pronounced dead at a hospital Sept. 21. He was found inside a container with a cord around his neck in his Lakewood apartment. Donny was just one week away from his third birthday.

Donnie Ro'mello Romero
Donnie Ro'mello Romero (credit: CBS)

"This is an emotionally-charged case as you can imagine. Any time you have a case involving death of a young child it's extraordinarily anxiety producing and just a tragedy. Those circumstances certainly apply in this case," said Jefferson County District Attorney Pete Weir. "These are the types of cases that really rock a community."

The details in the case remain sealed.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family pay for the baby's burial. The family spoke of a funeral service being planned for Saturday.

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