Mother arrested in death of LV baby

A 29-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the October death of her 2-month-old son, but her sister says the mother has been wrongfully accused.

Kristina Kerlus was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on Friday, according to jail records. She was arrested in connection with the death of Jocai Davis, who died Oct. 7 at University Medical Center. The Clark County coroner’s office on Thursday ruled the death a homicide by blunt force head and neck trauma.

Kerlus’ sister, 22-year-old Demi Kerlus, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Saturday evening that her family believes the mother is innocent. She alleges Jocai was injured two weeks prior to his death at a day care provider, which the 22-year-old said is now closed.

“That was my nephew, and we don’t entirely know what happened to him,” Demi Kerlus said, adding that “there was bruising on his ankles and an open wound” the size of a nickel.

Demi Kerlus said Jocai was injured within the first few days he was being cared for by the provider.

Just before 9:40 a.m. Oct. 5, Las Vegas police and first responders were called to the 5400 block of South Durango Drive, near Russell Road, after a 911 call reporting “a child in physical distress due to a possible near drowning incident,” according to police dispatch logs and records from the Clark County Department of Family Services.

Demi Kerlus disputed the reason for the 911 call. “He never had a near drowning experience,” she said Saturday.

The 22-year-old said her sister reported the provider to Las Vegas police after Jocai was injured, and that police were investigating. Further information about a possible investigation was not available Saturday.

Attempts Saturday evening to reach the provider named by Demi Kerlus were unsuccessful.

Following Jocai’s death, both Metro and the Department of Family Services opened investigations into the infant’s death, as is protocol for child fatalities.

On Friday, Metro spokeswoman Alejandra Zambrano said the department’s abuse and neglect team declined to release more details about Jocai’s death, citing an open investigation.

Kristina Kerlus faces charges of murder and child abuse or neglect, Las Vegas Justice Court records show.

She made her initial appearance in court Saturday morning, where her bail was set at $100,000, with the condition she have no contact with children “in accordance with CPS directives” if released, court records show.

She remained in the detention center Saturday evening, court records show.