A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the North Miami Beach community after a 6-year-old boy with autism, identified by family members as Mason, died from injuries police say were caused by a severe beating inside his own home.
Authorities confirmed that the young child, who was autistic and nonverbal, went into cardiac arrest on January 8 after 911 was called to the residence. He had reportedly been hospitalized in critical condition since the incident. Last month, his condition worsened — and he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
A Family’s Painful Goodbye
Mason’s family released an emotional statement describing him as “a beam of light” who was “good and pure.” They expressed hope that his case does not “fall through the cracks” and urged the justice system to act decisively.
His uncle has publicly stated that he believes the man accused in the case deserves life in prison.
What Police Say Happened
According to investigators, Mason was home with his mother’s boyfriend, 34-year-old Daniel Eduardo Romero, at the time of the incident.
Romero allegedly told detectives that Mason had been outside learning to ride a bike with his mother and fell. However, police say he was unable to produce the bicycle when asked. When Mason’s mother was questioned at the hospital, she reportedly gave a different version of events — stating that Romero had been the one teaching Mason to ride.
When confronted about the conflicting stories, she allegedly admitted that Romero told her to lie to investigators.
Detectives also revealed that Romero would reportedly become frustrated with Mason’s behaviors, including rocking and making noises — common behaviors among children with autism.
Charges Filed
Romero was arrested on January 11 and charged with:
- Aggravated child abuse causing great bodily harm
- Child neglect with great bodily harm
- Providing false information to law enforcement
He remains in custody.
Mason’s mother, identified by police as Cythnia Hernandez, turned herself in on January 15. She faces charges including:
- Child neglect
- Failure to report child neglect
- Providing false statements to law enforcement
She was released after posting a $10,500 bond. As part of her release conditions, she was ordered to stay away from her son and prohibited from owning or carrying a firearm.
A Troubling History
Public records indicate that Romero has previously faced multiple charges involving battery and domestic violence, including strangulation, dating back to 2014. The most recent reported incident occurred in 2023.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether additional charges will be added following Mason’s death.
A Community Demands Accountability
The devastating loss has sparked outrage and renewed conversations about child protection and accountability. For Mason’s family, the focus remains clear: ensuring justice is served and that no other child suffers a similar fate.
As the investigation continues, many are left grieving a young life lost too soon — a child remembered by loved ones not for the tragedy, but for the light he brought into their lives.
