Three women are arrested in death of 3-year-old boy

A 3-year-old boy died Friday, hours after he was found “clinging to life” in a Pine Hills apartment by Orange County deputies, officials said. Deputies say they have arrested three women, including the boy’s mother, in connection to his killing. They believe he died of blunt-force trauma in the home.

Deputies were called about 12:15 p.m. to the Eagle Landing Apartments at 4514 Silver Star Road for a report of a man down and found the child “barely breathing,” said Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Jane Watrel.

“Who would abuse a child like this?” she said. “We’re still trying to sort out the stories.”

The boy, who has been identified as Xavier Mokarzel-Satchel, was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, arriving in critical condition, Watrel said. He was pronounced dead about 5:30 p.m.

He suffered the injuries inside the family’s apartment. Deputies believe Xavier’s mother, Brandi Mokarzel, 23, was home in the apartment with the two women when the child was hurt.

The two other women charged were identified late Friday as Callene Barton, 58, and Lakesha Lewis, 28. Barton faces charges of firstdegree murder, aggravated child abuse and hindering communication to law enforcement. Lewis also was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse. Mokarzel faces a charge of aggravated child neglect.

Deputies say Barton and Lewis are friends of Mokarzel and aren’t related to her or her son.

Lewis was taken to a hospital after complaining that she was not feeling well, Watrel said. Her 4year-old son, who was also living in the apartment, was taken from the home Friday and placed in the custody of the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Mokarzel initially wasn’t under investigation and went with her son to the hospital. Watrel said she was later arrested in connection to the homicide.

Homicide and child abuse investigators were at the scene Friday afternoon, and DCF officials were also investigating.