Colombian Boy, 5, Allegedly Beaten to Death by Uncle Over Poor School Grades

Five-year-old Yosuar Cabrera was allegedly given a deadly punishment by his uncle

A five-year-old boy in Colombia has tragically died after allegedly being beaten by his uncle as punishment for receiving poor school grades. Authorities say the child, identified as Yosuar Smith Cabrera, was struck ten times with a belt before collapsing and later dying at a nearby hospital.

The incident occurred in the rural municipality of La Plata, south of Medellín, where Yosuar had been living under the care of his uncle, 38-year-old James Alberto Caicedo. According to medical reports and statements from hospital officials, the boy sustained severe injuries to his torso, abdomen, and limbs, resulting in his death.

Following the alleged assault, Caicedo reportedly told the child to clean himself up in the bathroom. Moments later, he discovered Yosuar unconscious and rushed him to the nearest medical center, where he was declared dead on arrival.

James Caicedo was arrested for the crime

Dr. César González, assistant manager of the San Antonio de Padua Departmental Hospital, confirmed details of a conversation with the suspect. “His uncle reported that, due to poor school results, he proceeded to physically punish him, consisting of 10 lashes with a belt,” he said. “He then decided to bring him to the hospital, unfortunately, with no vital signs.”

Yosuar had been staying with his uncle while his mother, Michel Caicedo, is imprisoned in Bogotá, and his father had relocated to another city. The boy's death has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting swift action from law enforcement.

Michel Caicedo was unable to attend her son's funeral

Caicedo was arrested shortly after the incident and has been charged with aggravated homicide. Police revealed that he has a criminal history, including previous charges for drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms. He is currently in pre-trial detention.

Yosuar’s mother was denied permission to attend her son’s funeral, but fellow inmates in the Bogotá prison organized a collection to ensure his body could be transported to the capital. The boy was laid to rest in Bogotá on Tuesday.

Colombian authorities have condemned the act and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the ongoing crisis of violence against children in the country. The investigation into Yosuar's death remains ongoing.