Mark Anthony Nieves, 44, entered a plea of “Guilty” to charges of Causing Serious Bodily Harm to a Child on Oct. 8, according to a news bulletin from 51st District Attorney Allison Palmer’s office.
According to court documents, on Jan. 18, 2024, San Angelo Police and Fire Department personnel responded to a distress call regarding an unconscious 3-year-old child, who was taken to Shannon Medical Center, where the child died despite the medical staff’s efforts over several hours to revive him.
SAPD detectives began their investigations, and the medical examiner later found that the child had died of hypothermia, and also showed signs of serious malnutrition, neglect and abuse.
Police said the mother of the child and her boyfriend became the focus of the investigation, leading to the arrest of Shytel Limuel and Mark Nieves by the Abilene Police Department on April 24, 2024.
Limuel entered a plea of “Guilty” to the same charge on May 1, along with two counts of Child Endangerment, and was sentenced to 30-years imprisonment for Causing Serious Bodily Harm to a Child, along with 365-days for each Child Endangerment charge.
Nieves, this week, was sentenced to 13-years imprisonment for Causing Serious Bodily Harm to a Child, along with 4-years of state jail time for Knowingly Causing Bodily Harm to a Child, and an additional 730 days for Child Endangerment.
All sentences will run concurrently, according to the First Asst. District Attorney Ashley Knight, who prosecuted the cases.
The news release also singled out San Angelo Police Department, thanking them for their efforts in the case, noting the tireless investigating by lead detective Sgt. Roger Spearman, whose efforts were commended.
“These plea agreements are a testament to the cooperative effort of this investigation between SAPD and our office,” Knight said. “Our office is dedicated to working closely with law enforcement to ensure the best possible outcome for child victims and the community.
“Our office stands committed to bringing child abusers to justice and we will continue to fight to protect one of the most vulnerable and precious classes in our community, our children.”
