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Anaheim man found guilty of killing toddler son

A 44-year-old Anaheim man was found guilty Nov. 14 of beating his son to death, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

The jury deliberated for less than two days before convicting Jesus Vega Estrada of second-degree murder and assault on a child, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Michael Matoba.

Eric Avian Cervantes, a 19-month-old Latino boy, died from blunt force trauma to the liver Nov. 28, 2013, at a West Covina hospital, according to records from the Los Angeles County coroner and district attorney's office.

Matoba said that Estrada was visiting his son at the mother’s home in Valinda. Around 11:15 p.m., Estrada took his son out to buy juice and candy.

When they returned to the Valinda home, about 30 minutes later, Eric was vomiting.

Eric’s parents took him to a hospital where he died at 2:30 a.m., according to coroner's records.

Estrada who faces 25 years to life in state prison is expected back in court on Jan. 21 for sentencing.

-- Maloy Moore

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