Suspicious death involving toddler in Fresno County, child's mother and boyfriend in question

Fresno, Calif. (KFSN) -- On Wednesday, detectives investigated a suspicious death in an apartment on Ninth Street in Calwa, involving a toddler.

"An officer got into the apartment and found a child who was not responsive," said Tony Botti.

The Fresno County Sheriff's office says the little boy -- who would have turned two next month -- was in the home with his mom and her boyfriend.

Detectives are now interviewing the two of them.

"To find out if any action of theirs played a role that would cause this child to die," said Botti.

The boyfriend's stepmom confirmed the two are being questioned and stated this should have never happened.

"It could've been prevented. It's sad-- it's sad a little boy was hurt."

The father of the young child did not want to speak on camera but he allowed us to use this photo of his son Julius.

He told us he and Julius' mom have been separated for about two years and were preparing to get a divorce.

He says two weeks ago police did a welfare check at Julius' home after someone found the little boy crying inside and sitting next to drug paraphernalia.

The father said it is unclear if anyone was at home when that call was made but now all he is left with are questions and heartbreak.