Massachusetts man held without bail after being charged with beating and strangling pregnant woman, injuring 1-year-old

BOSTON, June 29, 2022— A Massachusetts man is being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing after being charged with beating a pregnant woman and assaulting a young child, District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.

23-year-old Marvin De La Cruz of Boston was charged Monday in the East Boston Division of Boston Municipal Court with assault and battery on a pregnant victim, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, strangulation of a pregnant victim, assault and battery against a family member, and assault and battery on a child causing bodily injury. Judge Debra A. DelVecchio ordered De La Cruz held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on July 6.

Assistant District Attorney Jacqueline Martinelli said that on Saturday, June 25, De La Cruz beat and strangled a woman, who was two months pregnant, and injured a 1-year-old child. De La Cruz entered the woman’s bedroom in Dorchester and jumped on top of her while she was asleep. He proceeded to punch her in the head and pull her to the ground by her hair. While the victim was on the ground, De La Cruz repeatedly kicked her in the stomach and head. He then strangled her to the point where she lost consciousness.

During the assault, the young child who was present in the room, began crying. De La Cruz covered and squeezed the child’s nose and mouth in an attempt to silence him, causing the child’s nose to start bleeding.

After the woman regained consciousness, De La Cruz told her, “Go freshen up, you are bleeding.” The mother grabbed the child and fled the house on foot.

EMS arrived on the scene and evaluated the victims’ injuries. The woman had a laceration on her head and right ear, as well as a red, swollen lip. Her abdomen was also bruised. The child’s forehead and nose bridge were swollen and bruised, and there was blood on his body.

“There is no excuse for the type of violence that this individual is accused of committing. The victims in this case were incredibly vulnerable – one due to his tender age, and the other due to her pregnancy. We will always work to ensure the safety and protection vulnerable victims and those who are unable to protect themselves,” Hayden said.

Hayden stated that the victims of any crime, including domestic violence, should call 911 in an emergency. SafeLink, a statewide DV hotline, can be reached at 877-785-2020.