DENVER—A 3-year-old girl found dead in September showed signs of physical abuse, the coroner said Thursday.
The coroner’s report said Neveah Janey Gallegos had been struck in the abdomen and strangled and had bruises consistent with “abusive trauma.” The report did not include a ruling on the cause of death but said a determination could be made later if more information is developed.
Neveah’s mother and her mother’s boyfriend were questioned after the little girl disappeared but were released because prosecutors said they had not decided whether to pursue the case.
District attorney’s spokeswoman Lynn Kimbrough said Thursday prosecutors will review the autopsy report before deciding whether to file charges. She said the police investigation is still in progress.
Neveah’s mother, 20-year-old Miriam Gallegos, reported her missing on Sept. 21. Neveah’s body was found three days later.
Miriam Gallegos’ boyfriend, Angel Montoya, 22, was arrested in late October on an unrelated charge of failing to register as a sex offender.
