Moorhead man charged in death of toddler

Mason Garza of Moorhead pleaded guilty to second-degree murder today in the death of 3-year-old Eastyn Deronjic, admitting to using “unnecessary force” against the child. Garza and co-defendant Shiann Erickson had been caring for Deronjic and his infant sibling for six months when the toddler died on March 18, 2024. Emergency responders found Deronjic with numerous bruises. The autopsy revealed 28 blunt force injuries, determining the death was homicide. Garza admitted taking Erickson to the hospital when she was sick but not bringing the deteriorating child for medical care. The plea agreement calls for a 20-year sentence, which the victim’s family opposes. “My nephew’s life was worth more than that,” said Katterius Reams, Deronjic’s uncle. Judge Merkins deferred acceptance of the plea until a pre-sentence investigation is completed, with sentencing scheduled for May 15.