Cherokee County mother 2nd person charged with murder in death of 2-year-old son, police say

A Cherokee County mother is now the second person charged in connection with the death of her 2-year-old son, authorities say.

The arrest of 18-year-old Devorah Diaz Perez comes weeks after police arrested and charged her live-in boyfriend, 22-year-old Celso Edison Vicente Y Vicente with malice murder and first-degree cruelty to children.

Officials with the Canton Police Department say the investigation began when they were called to a home on the 300 block of Cartersville Street around 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 3 after receiving a report of an unresponsive child.

When they arrived at the scene, the officers found the toddler and quickly began rendering aid. Medics rushed the boy to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The Canton Police Department says that detectives interviewed Diaz Perez on Thursday evening. After those interviews, the detectives and officials with the Cherokee County District Attorney's Office charged Diaz Perez with second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree cruelty to children, and three counts of reckless conduct.

Diaz Perez is currently in custody without bond at Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.

"The death of a child is heartbreaking, and our detectives remain committed to conducting a thorough and professional investigation," Canton Police Chief Marty Ferrell said in a statement. "We appreciate the continued assistance of our law enforcement and criminal justice partners as we work to protect the integrity of this case and allow the judicial process to move forward."

The investigation remains ongoing. Officials have not shared any details about what led them to charge both Vicente Y Vicente and Diaz Perez, citing pending criminal charges.

If you have any information that could help with the investigation, call Detective Erin Fulenwider of the Canton Police Detective Unit at (770) 720-4883 or by email at erin.fulenwider@cantonga.gov.