Man arrested in Fresno in connection with alleged Visalia child abuse

A 23-year-old man was arrested Wednesday in connection with an alleged child abuse that took place June 5 in Visalia.

The 1-year-old child, who was taken to Valley Children’s Hospital, has been declared clinically deceased.

Ezequiel Ramirez, 23, was booked into the Tulare County Jail after he was arrested in Fresno by a fugitive apprehension team. He was booked on homicide charges.

Visalia police reported that Ramirez, along with the child’s mother, Jasmine Blase, caused injuries to the child at a Motel 6.

The child was first reported in critical condition at a hospital. Injuries include multiple fractures and head trauma.

Police spokesman Celestina Sanchez said charges against Blase, originally filed as child abuse, may also be upgraded by the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office.

The child remains on life support for determination of donor options, Sanchez said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Visalia police Detective Mike Morgantini at 559-713-4104 or the department’s Anonymous Tip Line at 559-713-4738.

This story was originally published June 10, 2020 at 11:11 AM.