Columbia Police Department (CPD) investigators have charged a 23-year-old man accused in last week’s child abuse death with animal cruelty.
Bobby Ramos, Junior (DOB: 6-1-1996) has also been charged with Two Counts of Felony Animal Cruelty. Ramos has been housed at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC) since last week, charged with Homicide by Child Abuse. The suspect is accused of causing the death of a 3-year-old boy on Manse Avenue on November 19, 2019. According to Richland County Coroner Gary Watts, Leo Mateo Pacheco (DOB: 4-16-16) died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head and body.
During the death investigation, officers located three cats living in deplorable conditions. Two of the cats met the standards for felony charges in that they were kept in small carrying cages, covered in feces with no food or water. The animals were seized by animal control personnel and examined by a veterinarian who determined that the cats were in poor condition having been inflicted with repeated and unnecessary pain and suffering.
Ramos’ roommate, Jose Cancino (DOB: 1-2-1989) faces the same charges in connection with the investigation. Cancino also remains at the ASGDC.
All persons arrested/charged are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.