DENVER (KDVR) — The father of a two-month-old infant faces charges of first-degree murder and child abuse, while the mother is charged with tampering with evidence, following the death of their child at Children’s Hospital on December 20, 2023.
Tony Vigil, 33, and Jaylyn Vigil, 30, were arrested in January by Denver police. Their child was hospitalized for four days before succumbing to injuries. According to the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner, the child died from complications due to scalding, which was ruled a homicide.
Tony is charged with first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. Jaylyn is charged with tampering with evidence.
The child was first brought to Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital on December 16, 2023, at around 2 a.m. with severe burns. Due to the severity of the injuries, the infant was transferred by ambulance to Children’s Hospital’s main campus. The child died on December 20 from multiple organ failure, prompting an investigation and subsequent charges.
Parents’ Statements and Investigation Findings
The parents told medical staff and police that the child needed a bath. Tony claimed he checked the water temperature with a thermometer, which read about 50 degrees, and found it “lukewarm” to the touch. However, he noticed the child’s skin was peeling and discolored after the bath and woke Jaylyn.
Jaylyn called a nurse line and was advised to call 911 or take the baby to a hospital. At the hospital, Jaylyn suggested the burns might be chemical burns from a new shampoo. However, medical staff determined the burns were consistent with hot water burns, covering 40% of the child’s body.
A CT scan revealed a bilateral brain injury, and on December 18, medical staff noted concerns about a fractured wrist and rib. The parents claimed they were unaware of these injuries.
Officers who searched the Vigil’s residence found it in “disarray.” They measured the tap water temperature, which was initially 62 degrees but reached 148 degrees after 35 seconds.
Legal Proceedings
Jaylyn is scheduled for arraignment on June 24. Tony’s preliminary hearing is set for September 19.
