Loudoun County, VA – A revitalized 7-year investigation into the 2005 death of a 20-month-old has led to the arrest of Vanesa Patricio-Cruz.

Patricio-Cruz, 30, of Sterling has been charged with murder in the death of her daughter. The investigation began on August 13, 2005, after a 20-month-old female passed away due to unknown reasons. The child was brought to a local Fire-Rescue station in South Riding by the family before being taken to Fair Oaks Hospital. The child passed away that same evening.

Recent follow-up by detectives with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division has confirmed the cause of death of the baby, Jocelin Gutierrez, to be blunt force trauma.

This investigation was conducted in concert with the Office of the Loudoun Commonwealth Attorney.

“I’m proud of the tireless effort put forth by every member of the sheriff’s office involved in this case,” said Loudoun Sheriff Mike Chapman. “Make no mistake, we will leave no stone unturned in our investigations,” Chapman added.

Patricio-Cruz was arrested March 5, 2012 and remains held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center without bond.

No further details are being released on the case due to upcoming court proceedings.

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