The father of a 7-year-old Adelanto boy that investigators say was accidentally shot to death was arrested Friday morning on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter.
Julio Cervantes Sr., 40, was taken into custody about 3:30 a.m. following an overnight investigation into Thursday’s fatal shooting of his son Daniel Cervantes, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department stated in a news release.
The shooting was reported just before 5 p.m. when a resident at a home in the 18000 block of Bellflower Street (map) called 911 to report and accidental shooting at the home, the Sheriff’s Department stated.
Deputies and medical aid workers arrived to find Daniel Cervantes suffering from a gunshot wound, according to the news release.
Daniel Cervantes was taken to the Victor Valley Global Medical Center, but was pronounced dead at 5:59 p.m., the Sheriff’s Department stated.
Homicide investigators determined the shooting was accidental but placed Julio Cervantes under arrest on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter, according to the news release.
“Ultimately, the death of the child has to be accounted for … that he’s been arrested for involuntary manslaughter doesn’t mean that he’s going to be charged with it. That’s ultimately up to the District Attorney’s office to determine if those charges will be filed,” Adam Cervantez of the Sheriff’s Department said.
Bail for Julio Cervantes was set at $75,000. As of 9 a.m., he had not posted bail and was still in custody, deputies said.
The investigation was ongoing and anyone with information was asked to contact authorities at 909-387-3589.
Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).
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