Mother and uncle charged over death of boy 'beaten unconscious for taking piece of cake'

Oriana Garcia and Jacob Barajas are charged with second-degree murder

(L to R): Jacob Barajas and Oriana Garcia (AP)

The mother and uncle of a 9-year-old U.S. boy who police have said was handcuffed and beaten for eating birthday cake without permission now face charges in his death.

Police arrested Oriana Garcia, 26, and Jacob Barajas, 23, on Monday and charged them with second-degree murder in Jack Garcia's death.

Authorities say that on June 30, Barajas handcuffed Jack to a chair, and Garcia's boyfriend, 30-year-old Robert Wilson, hit him.

Robert Wilson allegedly hit Jack Garcia (AP)

Police alleged that Oriana Garcia turned paramedics away when they were first called to her home, saying the boy was only "congested" and didn't need medical attention.

When paramedics were called to the home again four hours later, they found Jack unconscious and with numerous bruises and cuts, police say. They brought him to a hospital and called police. Shortly after, Wilson was charged with first-degree assault and child abuse.

Jack died July 5 at a Washington hospital. Oriana Garcia had abused her son in the past, authorities say.

Associated Press