In a tragic case that has recently come to a close, a Texas man has been sentenced to decades in prison after admitting his involvement in the death of his girlfriend’s young son. Enrique Lopez, 22, confessed to committing felony injury to a child nearly a year after the passing of 3-year-old Augustine “Augie” Valencia.

On February 11, 2025, the heartbreaking events unfolded when Lopez was left to care for Augie and his 2-year-old brother while their mother, Emma Torres, attended a court appointment. That morning, an argument between the couple escalated after Torres left her children with Lopez. As reported by local ABC affiliate KIII, their disagreement continued over phone and text messages, during which Torres accused Lopez of mistreating her and expressed her anger.

The tension heightened as Torres ended a phone call with Lopez at 8:27 a.m., prompting a series of text exchanges. By 8:50 a.m., Lopez unsuccessfully attempted to contact Torres with five phone calls. At 9:29 a.m., he sent her a text saying, “text me when you’re out,” signaling his growing frustration.

Tragically, at 10:37 a.m., Lopez made a desperate call to 911, reporting that little Augie was “not breathing” and had turned “purple.” Upon his arrival at the hospital, the medical staff discovered Augie in cardiac arrest, suffering from numerous injuries, including a skull fracture and an acute subdural hemorrhage. He also had bruising across his body, with paramedics noting particularly concerning marks on his abdomen.

Despite medical efforts, Augie was pronounced dead at 2 p.m. that day. The case serves as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and neglect within families, sparking conversations about child welfare and domestic safety.

Lopez told police that he had given Augie a bath then put him to bed while Lopez lay down on the floor. He discovered Augie unresponsive 20 minutes later and called 911. Police said there were inconsistencies with his story, namely how the bathtub was dry and there was no evidence that he had given Augie a bath.

Torres was also arrested in connection with Augie’s death and charged with two counts of injury to a child by omission for leaving both of her children with Lopez. The charges against her were dismissed.

On Jan. 8, a judge sentenced Lopez to 35 years in prison for inflicting the injuries that resulted in Augie’s death. He received credit for time served.