The Latest:
A Gastonia man facing a murder charge after his 6-week-old adopted son died from physical abuse injuries he allegedly inflicted has also been suspended from his teaching duties.
Van Custodio was suspended from his teaching duties at Belmont Abbey College effective Wednesday, and UNC Charlotte has also placed Custodio on administrative leave.
UNC Charlotte officials say Custodio was hired on a limited, temporary contract to teach one class and another faculty member will cover his class for the remainder of the semester.
Update (4/14/22):
A Gastonia man accused of physically abusing a 6-week-old child, his family was in the process of adopting, is now facing a murder charge after the child died from the injuries, the police department says.
According to the Gastonia Police Department, Custodio has been charged with first-degree murder after Lucas Birchim, the identified six-week-old, died from his injuries at the hospital Wednesday evening.
Custodio was previously charged by detectives with felony child abuse – severe bodily injury.
Original Story (4/13/22):
GASTONIA, N.C. — Police say a 42-year-old Gastonia man has been arrested for physically abusing a 6-week-old boy that his family was in the process of adopting.
Van Erick Custodio of Gastonia is charged one count of felony child abuse causing severe bodily injury for his alleged abuse, according to a news release.
Van Erick Custodio
On April 1st around 10 a.m., officers responded to a home on Prancer Lane in reference to an infant in cardiac arrest.
Police say the infant was taken to a local hospital in life-threatening condition.
During the investigation, detectives determined that the infant’s cardiac arrest was related to injuries sustained that were consistent with being physically abused.
Detectives then obtained a warrant for Custodio’s arrest for felony physical abuse.
Custodio was arrested on April 11th in York County, S.C. and was extradited on April 13th to Gaston County.
Police say he is being held on a $500,000 bond.
The investigation into this case is active and ongoing.
Check back for updates.
