Bail set at $1 million for two charged in Moorhead toddler’s death – InForum

MOORHEAD – Due to public safety concerns and possible flight risks, a Clay County judge ordered the release of two Moorhead residents on $1 million bail during their initial court appearance Tuesday, July 9. They are accused of causing the death of a toddler in their care.

Rosa “Mason” Garza and Shiann Erickson are charged with second-degree premeditated murder for the death of three-year-old Eastyn Deronjic. The maximum sentence is 40 years in prison.

A Moorhead Police press release said investigators recently received the results of the autopsy that led to the arrest of Garza and Erickson.

An arrest warrant filed Monday states that the final autopsy report for Deronjic found “28 blunt force injuries” and “the manner of death was recorded as homicide and the cause of death as assault.”

Police have been investigating Deronjic’s death for nearly three and a half months. Officers initially responded to the Stonecrest Apartments, 1402 Belsly Blvd., where a child was found not breathing in the early morning hours of March 18.

When three police officers arrived, they found that Deronjic “appeared to have severe bruising on his face and body.”

Court documents show that Garza, 24, and Erickson, 22, have been caring for Deronjic and his younger sibling since August 2023, according to statements from the boy’s biological mother, who told police she left the children in Garza’s care “after some personal issues.” The younger sibling is in protective custody, according to police.

A preliminary autopsy by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner found the boy suffered multiple blunt force injuries. A medical examiner told investigators that Deronjic’s death was ultimately the result of an intestinal perforation caused by a single blow.

During their court hearing on Tuesday, Judge Leah duCharme stated that both Garza and Erickson are entitled to be represented by a public defender in this case.

Defense attorney Shawn Schmidt of Moorhead appeared for both Garza and Erickson, but said he would not represent either man in the future. He said Erickson has lived in the Fargo-Moorhead area his entire life and Garza, a transgender man, has lived with his mother and grandmother. Schmidt said neither man has a significant criminal history and argued for their release pending trial.

Clay County Prosecutor Pam Foss argued for bail of $2 million unconditional and $1 million conditional, citing the violent nature of the crime Garza and Erickson are charged with. She said the couple are not employed and questioned their ties to the community.

The judge agreed with the state’s recommendation and set the next court date for Garza and Erickson for August 1. They are being held at the Clay County Correctional Facility.