September 09, 2019 - Charges have been filed against a second suspect arrested in connection with the death of a juvenile female found at 7835 Grow Lane about 3 p.m. on September 2.

The suspect, Santiago Esparza, Jr. (H/m, 30), is charged with tampering with evidence - human corpse in the 351st State District Court. 

The other suspect, Priscilla Torres (H/f, 27), was previously charged with the same offense in the same court for her role in the death of her daughter, Sierra Patino, 5 years of age.  

Booking photos of Esparza and Torres are attached to this news release.

HPD Homicide Division Detectives L. Lange and C. Lamont reported:

Officers responded to a person down call at the apartment complex at the above address and found a female child, Sierra Patino, deceased inside an apartment.

Further investigation led to the identity of the child's mother, Torres, as having a role in Sierra's death.  She was subsequently charged and could face additional charges in the ongoing investigation. 

Further investigation led to the identity of Esparza as having a role in the child's death and, last Friday (Sept. 6), he was arrested by members of the HPD Crime Reduction Unit.  Esparza could also face additional charges in the ongoing investigation. 

Investigators are awaiting results of an autopsy by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences to determine Sierra's cause of death.