SENECA FALLS, N.Y. — The 3-year-old boy who was allegedly severely beaten by his stepfather and mother in Seneca Falls has died. The pair has been indicted by a grand jury on murder charges.
The victim has been identified as Panagiotis Stephanides-Vacchino. Police say he passed away at 1:42 p.m. on Wednesday at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital.
According to officials, the boy's biological father was at the hospital with him prior to final life decisions.
The exact cause of death will be confirmed once the autopsy results are released by the medical examiner's office.
Donald Bovio, 38, and Alison Bovio, 38, are accused of beating the the child, known as Peter, with a belt, causing his head to hit a hard surface.
They have been indicted on multiple charges, including 3 counts of murder in 2nd degree, 2 counts of manslaughter in 1st degree, manslaughter in 2nd degree and reckless assault of a child.
Police say Donald Bovio called 911 Saturday night to report that the child fell down a flight of stairs. Medical personnel determined that the injuries were inconsistent with that of a fall.
Neighbors told Spectrum News that they had called the police multiple times prior to Saturday's incident after hearing Donald yelling and abusing both his wife and stepson.
Officials say that prior to this investigation, Child Protective Services were not involved with the family.
"I think we’ve had up to 20 officers involved in this case, and I can tell you there have been a lot of tears since Monday,” said Seneca County District Attorney Barry Porsch.