San Bernardino mother accused of killing 5-year-old son

San Bernardino police have arrested a mother on suspicion of killing her 5-year-old son.

The boy’s violent death happened in a city still reeling from the mass shooting last week at the Inland Regional Center in which 14 people were killed. His death marks the 40^th homicide in the city this year, including the victims of the Dec. 2 shooting.

On Wednesday, a small memorial -- two balloons, a handful of candles and a teddy bear -- marked the modest home on the city’s west side where the boy lived with his family and where he was killed.

Police say they received a 911 call about 4:10 p.m. Tuesday and responded to the home at 1011 W. Temple St., where they found the boy, who appeared to have been cut with a sharp instrument. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The mother, Maria Isabel Bautista De Lopez, also had injuries, which appeared to be self-inflicted, police said in a statement. She was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Officers who responded to the 911 call saw a gruesome scene in which the boy had been horribly cut, Sgt. Vicki Cervantes said. All the recent deaths have taken a toll on officers, she said.

“You see so many innocent people and then a week later, before we’ve even healed, you walk in on this cute little 5-year-old that has this horrific injury that has taken his life,” Cervantes said. “It’s trying.”

Police said they arrested Bautista De Lopez after interviewing her and serving a search warrant at the home.

Neighbors said she moved into the neighborhood about a year ago and kept mostly to herself.

Julian Rivera, who lives across the street, said his children, ages 2, 4 and 5, often played with the child.

“He was a smart little boy,” Rivera said.

Ramona Velasquez, who lives two houses down from the victim’s home, said her four children, ages 11 to 14, watched as police, firefighters and ambulances arrived at the home Tuesday evening. The children heard from a neighbor about what had happened, she said.

“They’re sad,” Velasquez said. “And scared.... It’s all too much for children.”

This is the second homicide police have responded to in the city since the mass shooting, Cervantes said. On Monday, 28-year-old Kendrick Mcneil was shot to death in an alley on the city’s north side.

“We’re just hoping things calm down and get a little better for everybody,” Cervantes said.

For more Inland Empire news, follow me @PalomaEsquivel.

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