An arrest has been made in the death of a Massachusetts girl who died mysteriously at a rooming house in Lawrence in mid-December.
Miguel Rivera, 58, of Lawrence, was arrested Friday night, Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett and Lawrence Police Chief Roy Vasque announced Saturday morning. Rivera is charged with permitting substantial bodily injury to a child and misleading a police investigation.
First responders were called to a rooming house on Jackson Street on Dec. 15, where they found 11-year-old Precious Wallaces unresponsive.
Wallaces was rushed to Lawrence Hospital and later flown by helicopter to Tufts Medical Center in Boston, where she died Dec. 18 after several days on life support.
Wallaces had been visiting a family member, according to authorities, and was apparently a frequent visitor to the two-floor apartment where she was found. Building residents told NBC10 Boston they believe the relative is her uncle.
Authorities have been investigating the Haverhill girl's death as a possible case of drug or chemical poisoning.
The office of the chief medical examiner performed an autopsy but has not yet ruled on a cause and manner of death.
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Rivera is currently being held on $1 million bail and will be arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Tuesday. It’s unclear if he has an attorney. Officials say it's possible that more charges could be issued.
The investigation is ongoing.
