Ct. mom allegedly covered up 2-year-old son’s death and lied about being kidnapped

STAMFORD, Conn. (TCD) -- A 29-year-old mother is accused of covering up her young son’s death and lying about getting kidnapped by the boy’s father and being held captive for several days.

On Jan. 2, the Stamford Police Department went to Cummings Park after receiving a call about a possible kidnapping and a child who "may have been harmed." When officers got to the park, they reportedly located an area with "fresh dirt moved around and unearthed a plastic bag" with the body of 2-year-old Liam Rivera inside.

Investigators identified a person of interest, and at 1:15 a.m. on Jan. 3, they arrested 26-year-old Edgar Ismalej-Gomez. Stamford Police Chief Tim Shaw said Ismalej-Gomez was being held on a $3 million bond for an outstanding warrant of a probation violation.

On Feb. 3, Stamford Police announced detectives from the Major Crimes Unit arrested Liam’s mother, Iris Rivera-Santos, on charges of risk of injury to a minor, hindering prosecution, tampering with evidence, and cruelty to persons. Police said they are investigating Liam’s death as a homicide.

According to the newly unsealed affidavit cited by NBC Connecticut, Rivera-Santos allegedly told police Ismalej-Gomez kidnapped her and Liam, then held them against their will in a car for several days. Ismalej-Gomez is Liam’s father.

Rivera-Santos reportedly said she saw Ismalej-Gomez hit Liam on the night of Dec. 28. She supposedly asked him to check in on Liam the next morning, and Ismalej-Gomez said their son was dead. Rivera-Santos allegedly wanted Ismalej-Gomez to call an ambulance, but he said no, and instead they wrapped his body in a plastic bag and buried it in the park.

NBC Connecticut reports Rivera-Santos said Ismalej-Gomez took her phone’s SIM card away, but records indicate she actually had her phone with her the whole time.

Rivera-Santos' two other children were reportedly home when Liam died, and one of the children said he witnessed Liam fall and hit his head, but he did not tell Rivera-Santos.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Liam’s death a homicide and noted he died from a brain bleed caused by blunt impact trauma.

According to News 12 Brooklyn, Ismalej-Gomez was not allowed to see Liam or have contact with the boy because he reportedly previously broke the child’s arm.

Stamford Police said Rivera-Santos is being held on $1 million bond.

MORE:

• Stamford Police Department Facebook, 1/3/2023
• Homicide Investigation Update, 2/3/2023 - Stamford Police Department
• Court Records Reveal Stamford Mother Lied to Police to Cover Up Her Son's Death - NBC Connecticut
• Warrant: Mom of dead toddler lied to Stamford police about being held captive by child’s dad - News 12 Brooklyn