A Jamaica boy’s mother has been charged with causing the 5-year-old’s death more than a year ago.
On July 26, police arrested 31-year-old Phyllis Reinoso, who now resides on Staten Island, on charges of manslaughter, assault, reckless endangerment, acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years old and failure to exercise control of a minor.
At 4:17 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2017, police responded to a 911 call regarding an unconscious male at a home on 109th Avenue near Inwood Street. Upon their arrival, officers from the 103rd Precinct found 5-year-old Michael Guzman unconscious and unresponsive.
EMS responded to the scene and rushed Guzman to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The medical examiner ruled Guzman’s death a homicide in December 2017. Reports indicated that Guzman suffered from epileptic seizures and died of acute phenobarbital intoxication.
According to police, the family has a history of domestic violence incidents. Multiple children were living at the residence where Guzman was found.
