November death of West Pullman toddler ruled a homicide

A 2-year-old boy from the West Pullman neighborhood on the Far South Side was beaten to death last year, and state child welfare officials are investigating.

Georgio Edward Byrd Jr. died at Roseland Community Hospital on Nov. 18, 2015, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. He lived in the 11500 block of South Perry.

Area South detectives were called to the hospital after the boy’s death, and the state Department of Children and Family Services was notified.

His death was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner’s office after an autopsy showed the baby died of blunt-force injuries.

DCFS spokeswoman Veronica Resa said the agency has been investigating allegations of neglect and abuse against both of Georgio’s parents. The investigation is pending, but should be closed soon, she said.

Another child was removed from the home by DCFS immediately following Georgio’s death.

No one was in custody Friday afternoon as detectives conduct an ongoing homicide investigation, police said.