TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
The family of the 3-year-old boy whose remains were found in a toy chest at a vacant home on Tucson's south side released his picture today and described his parents as secretive.
The extended family of Roman Barreras held a press conference this morning in downtown Tucson. The press conference was organized by the group Homicide Survivors.
The boy's parents, 39-year-old Raquel Barreras and 45-year-old Martin Barreras, are currently behind bars. Both face child abuse charges. Raquel also faces a murder charge.
Members of their family described the couple as secretive, saying that they would move whenever their family would find where they lived.
The skeletal remains of Roman Barreras were found Tuesday at a home where the family had previously lived in the 700 block of West Idaho Street, near West Irvington Road and South 12th Avenue. The couple was arrested at a home just a few blocks away in the 100 block of West Pennsylvania Street.
Tucson News Now has also obtained court documents. An interim complaint said, "Upon investigation, children of Martin Barreras and Raquel Barreras stated Raquel starved the child until death and put the child in a toy chest in the backyard."
The document also said Martin admitted to confronting his wife about her actions, but did nothing to stop her from starving the child.
KOLD News 13's Lydia Camarillo (Twitter: @Lydia_TNN)was at the press conference. She'll have details on KOLD News 13 at Noon and via live stream here: http://bit.ly/1c9R04y
Homicide Survivors is collecting donations for the other four children of the Barreras' family. Visit their website for more information: http://www.azhomicidesurvivors.org/
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Ramon Barreras (Source: Barreras family)
