Charges delayed in Merced County infant’s death

Criminal charges were delayed Wednesday in the case against a Merced County man accused of killing his 9-month-old son, the Merced County District Attorney’s Office confirmed.

Andrew L. Sanchez was arrested earlier this week in connection with the March 5 death of his son, Maddix Ramsour. The child died at a regional hospital after suffering unspecified blunt force injuries on the day in question.

Merced County sheriff’s deputies have not commented specifically on the cause of death, but have said Merced County pathologist Dr. Mark Super declared the death a homicide.

Sanchez, 25, was arrested Monday and was scheduled for arraignment Wednesday, but prosecutors were unable to file the paperwork necessary to file charges in Merced Superior Court, according to Harold Nutt, chief deputy district attorney.

Nutt said he couldn’t comment on the reason for the delay, but said charges would likely be filed before the end of the week.

Sheriff’s detectives rearrested Sanchez on Wednesday afternoon, giving prosecutors another 48 hours to make a filing decision, Detective Sgt. Chuck Hale confirmed.

Deputies said Sanchez initially told investigators the child suffered injuries when he fell off a bed at his home in the 30000 block of Cottonwood Road in Gustine. The pathologist, however, determined the injuries were not consistent with such a fall, officials have said.

Sanchez remains in custody at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility.

This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 3:53 PM with the headline "Charges delayed in Merced County infant’s death."