Coroner rules Wichita toddler’s death a homicide

An autopsy report says a Kansas toddler found bound in pajamas died of dehydration and starvation.

The Wichita Eagle reports that the local coroner ruled 2-year-old Zaiden Javonovich’s death a homicide.

The toddler’s mother, Brandi Marchant, 22, and his father, Patrick Javonovich, 28, are charged with felony murder and child abuse in his death.

His body was found on April 11th when police went to the family’s Wichita home after receiving a call about a domestic disturbance.  Zaiden’s 4-month-old brother, who is Marchant’s son, was found injured and hospitalized in critical condition.

Police found Zaiden face down in a crib and bound tightly around the chest with knotted pajamas.  The autopsy says that might have led to asphyxia and could have contributed to his death.

Zaiden’s brain tested positive for methamphetamine.

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