After preliminary reports, the Eastern Region Medical Examiner's office in Greenville released the full autopsy in the death of 2-year-old A.R. on New Years Day.
The report ruled A.R.'s death as a homicide caused by traumatic abdominal injuries. Examiners also added A.R. received traumatic head injuries that were contributing factors in her death.
Navy corpsman and fiancée to A.R.'s mother, Ricardo Montesinos, 24, was arrested a few days after the incident and charged with an open count of murder. He has remained in custody with no bond and his next court date is scheduled for Sept. 29 in Onslow County District Court, according to NC Courts.
On Dec. 31, A.R. was left at home with another sibling and Montesinos while her mother, Erin Ratliff, went to work early that morning. In the investigative report from the medical examiner, the mother received a text message at approximately 12:40 p.m. from Montesinos saying her daughter had fallen off the bed while jumping and was seen holding her head.
When the mother returned home from work that afternoon, A.R. was allegedly found sitting on the couch and was behaving "lethargic". The report states Montesinos was tending to A.R. before the mother came home and the two remained watching her throughout the rest of the night. After the mother returned home from work, A.R. was seen vomiting twice.
The mother told investigators she did not seek medical attention for her daughter and thought she would continue to improve.
After putting her daughter to bed around 7:30 p.m. the mother and Montesinos continuously checked every 15 minutes. The report also states that was the last time A.R. was known to be well. When the couple checked on her again at 1:30 a.m. she was found unresponsive laying at the opponent end of the bed.
A 911 call was placed six minutes later by the mother as Montesinos brought A.R. to the living room and began performing CPR. First responders arrived shortly after and tried to revive A.R. before calling time of death 43 minutes after the 911 call was placed.
A.R.'s toxicology report came back positive for Naloxone, otherwise known as Narcan. Onslow County Emergency Services David Grovdahl said Naloxone is used to block the opioid receptors in the brain in order to reverse the effects of an overdose. There were no opioids or drugs found in the toxicology report but Grovdahl explained first responders could have used the drug if they believed opioids had caused her unconscious state as it does not harm the body.
Further reports show on Nov. 13 A.R. was seen by a pediatric doctor due to bruises on her face. Montesinos stated A.R. hit her head on the bed five nights prior to the doctor visit but it was not witnessed. Erin Ratliff also stated to investigators her daughter falls a lot which is why there are so many bruises on her face. In the follow up appointment on Nov. 18 the report states A.R. received bruising on her chin and cheeks after hitting her chin on a table.
The arrest warrant states Montesinos “unlawfully, willfully and feloniously did of malice aforethought kill and murder A.R.” The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is assisting JPD in the investigation.
