You may remember the story of nine-year-old Emrik Osuna, who was found dead, emaciated, and covered in bruises in his family’s Meridian, Idaho apartment in September. It would certainly be a hard story to forget. Emrik, who was stuck at home during the COVID-19 quarantine with his wicked stepmother, was forced to do strenuous exercises as punishment, beaten with a variety of household objects, fed only rice and water, and forced to sleep at night in a tiny, locked closet.

Emrik’s stepmother, 27-year-old Monique Osuna, and his father, 29-year-old Erik Emmanuel Osuna-Gutierrez, were arrested on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, the same day Emrik was pronounced dead at St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center in Boise. Their bonds were set at $1 million each. 

Monique was immediately charged with felony murder. Erik, who was accused of knowing about and permitting Emrik’s abuse, neglect, starvation, and torture, was initially charged with felony injury to a child, felony infliction of great bodily injury, and concealment of evidence, a misdemeanor. 

At a hearing on October 1, the Ada County District Attorney, Tamara Kelly, added felony murder to the charges against Erik, as well.

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It’s unclear what led to the additional charge, although one article mentioned that the nanny cams Erik is accused of having removed and given to someone to hide have since been recovered.

On September 24, Emrik was laid to rest at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana, California, where many of his relatives reside. Emrik was born in California, and he lived for a time with his family in Santa Ana after his mother was imprisoned for abusing his younger brother and sister. 

At the funeral, some mourners dressed in superhero or Transformers costumes in honor of Emrik. Others carried flowers, white balloons, and doves, which were released beside Emrik’s white casket.

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After filing a motion on September 28 to modify a no-contact order, Erik is due in court for a motion hearing at 1:30 PM on Thursday, October 8. A preliminary hearing in his case has been set for 8:30 AM on December 9.

If convicted, both defendants could face up to life in prison or, if the prosecution decides to pursue it, the death penalty. 

Click here for my ongoing coverage of Emrik’s case.

Sources: Idaho Ada County iCourt Portal, KTVB 7