A Garner man is being held without bond after being charged in the death of his 14-month-old stepson, according to court proceedings in Wake County.
Angel Rivas, 19, made his first court appearance Monday. He is charged with second-degree murder and felony child abuse inflicting serious injury after investigators said he left the child unattended in a bathtub filled with water.
Rivas' mother and the child's mother, Izabelle Deras, attended the hearing and became emotional in the courtroom.
Deras told ABC11 that she believes the child's death was the result of a mistake.
"It was just a mistake, and I love my baby," Deras said. "I'm grieving, and I can't be without my husband."
During the hearing, prosecutors said Rivas is also being held on a federal immigration retainer. The judge ordered him held without bond.
Deras spoke about her son and defended Rivas.
"He was my best gift," Deras said about her son. "He was also my husband's best gift ... he helped me, and he loved my son. He would have done nothing to hurt him."
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