De Jon Merriex, baby [Updated]

De Jon Merriex, a 2-month-old Latino baby, died Wednesday, June 9, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office, said De Jon was found not breathing and taken to County-USC Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 7:25 p.m.

According to preliminary information provided by the coroner's office, the baby was dirty, thin and had scratches and small scars on his body. Additionally, there was a red mark on his neck and possible bruises to his torso.

Winter said the place of injury still remains unknown.

The cause of death has been deferred, and results will not be available for another six to eight weeks, Winter said.

[For the record, June 15 10:50 a.m.: An earlier post incorrectly spelled De Jon's name as De John.]

[Update Feb. 28, 2011: Coroner's officials have ruled De Jon's death a homicide. He died by suffocation, they said.]

-- Sarah Ardalani