ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) A 9-year-old Albuquerque boy who allegedly was killed by his mother had disclosed physical abuse to authorities a year ago. The Albuquerque Journal reports that police investigators have found documents indicating that Omaree Varela disclosed abuse to school officials.
Details of the alleged abuse aren't available but a police spokeswoman says school officials reported the disclosure to police and that police investigators consulted the District Attorney's Office and state child-welfare officials.
Synthia Varela-Casaus is accused of causing her son's death on Dec. 27 by kicking him repeatedly. She is charged with child abuse resulting in death. She has said she was disciplining the boy and that she didn't intend for him to die.
