6-Year-Old Boy with Autism Dies After Alleged Beating by Mother's Boyfriend

North Miami Beach police say the child, who was also non-verbal, succumbed to his injuries after the attack.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 6-year-old boy with autism has died from injuries sustained in an alleged beating by his mother's boyfriend last month in North Miami Beach, Florida. The boy's family has issued a statement calling for justice, and the boyfriend, Daniel Eduardo Romero, has been charged with aggravated child abuse and other offenses. The boy's mother, Cynthia Hernandez, also faces charges related to the incident.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the vulnerability of children with disabilities, especially those who are non-verbal, and the need for stronger protections and support systems to prevent such horrific acts of violence. It also raises questions about the criminal history of the boyfriend and whether more could have been done to protect the child.

The details

According to police, on January 8th, 911 was called to a North Miami Beach home after the 6-year-old boy, who was autistic and non-verbal, went into cardiac arrest. Romero, the mother's boyfriend, allegedly told police the boy had been outside learning to ride a bike and fell, but he could not show them the bike when asked. The boy's mother later told detectives that Romero was the one teaching the boy to ride the bike and that he had become annoyed with the child's behaviors, including rocking and making noises. Romero has a history of battery and domestic violence charges dating back to 2014.

  • On January 8th, 2026, 911 was called to the North Miami Beach home after the child went into cardiac arrest.
  • On January 11th, 2026, Romero was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse, child neglect, and providing false information to law enforcement.
  • On January 15th, 2026, the child's mother, Cynthia Hernandez, turned herself in and was charged with child neglect, failure to report child neglect, and providing a false statement to law enforcement.

The players

Daniel Eduardo Romero

The 34-year-old boyfriend of the child's mother, who was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse, child neglect, and providing false information to law enforcement.

Cynthia Hernandez

The mother of the 6-year-old boy, who turned herself in and was charged with child neglect, failure to report child neglect, and providing a false statement to law enforcement.

Mason

The 6-year-old boy with autism who died from injuries sustained in the alleged beating by his mother's boyfriend.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We hope his case doesn't 'fall through the cracks' and that justice is served.”

— The boy's family (CBS News Miami)

“He was a beam of light. He was good and pure.”

— The boy's family (CBS News Miami)

“He deserves life in prison for what he did.”

— The boy's uncle (CBS News Miami)

What’s next

North Miami Beach police have not yet indicated whether they will add additional charges against Romero and Hernandez following the boy's death.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for stronger protections and support systems for children with disabilities, especially those who are non-verbal and vulnerable to abuse. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to prevent such horrific acts of violence against the most vulnerable members of our society.