INWOOD, NY – A 20-year-old man from Inwood, Nassau County, has been indicted on charges of second-degree murder following the death of his 2-month-old daughter, Liseyda Rabanales-Barrios. The indictment alleges that on March 7, Marlon Rabanales-Pretzantzin was alone with Liseyda and his 14-month-old son when the infant began crying.
Prosecutors assert that Rabanales-Pretzantzin slapped Liseyda, punched her in the stomach, shook her violently, dropped her onto a bed, and applied pressure to her chest. The infant became unresponsive, and a neighbor contacted emergency services. Liseyda was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead; an autopsy revealed severe injuries, including head contusions, rib fractures, and dislocated vertebrae.
Rabanales-Pretzantzin was arrested on March 12 and has pleaded not guilty. He is currently held without bail and faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted. Authorities noted that he is an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala who entered the U.S. in 2022.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly emphasized the dangers of reacting violently to a child’s crying and urged parents to seek help if they feel overwhelmed.
The couple’s 14-month-old son has been removed from the home and is undergoing evaluation to ensure his well-being.
