Valerie Deras, 9-month-old baby [Updated]

Valerie Deras, a 9-month-old Latina, died Saturday, Jan. 15, in the 5100 block of McCallum Avenue in South Gate, according to the South Gate Police Department.

[For the record: An earlier version of this post did not have the victim's name.]

The baby and her mother were allegedly assaulted by the infant's father, Jose Deras, a 20-year-old Latino. The incident occurred about 5:40 p.m. at their home, according to police.

Authorities said Valerie died of blunt-force trauma.

L.A. County sheriff's homicide detectives were later called to assist South Gate police in the investigation.

Authorities say that after the incident, Deras fled to Mexico where he was apprehended two days later. He was being held by authorities in Mexico City pending extradition, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.

[Update Jan. 20: Deras was scheduled to be arraigned at Downey Superior Court, the L.A. County district attorney’s office said Thursday.

He faces faces one count each of murder and assault on a child. Additionally, charges included one count of sodomy by use of force against Deras’ wife, who alleges he tied and bound her and used a knife in the attack. He faces a maximum of 50 years to life in prison.

Bail was set at $5 million.]

-- Ruben Vives, Andrew Blankstein and Nate Jackson

Photo: Jose Deras. Credit: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department