Disturbing new details emerge in deadly Tulare child abuse case

TULARE, Calif. (KFSN) -- There are disturbing new details in the case of a South Valley boy who died this week.

Authorities say two sisters and their roommate abused and tortured the women's children, ultimately resulting in the death of two-year-old Bryce George.

"He brightened everyone's day," Shawna George, the boy's aunt said. "Every time we saw him, every giggle we got from him it made everyone's world brighten. He meant the world to every one of us, and I know that he will be missed but he will be loved."

When Bryce was born, George says he also lit up his mother's world. But now, that mother--Shania Alamillo, her sister Adriana Alamillo, and their roommate, Edward Dias are all accused of killing the boy.

Days after Bryce was first brought to Tulare Regional Medical Center, he died at Valley Children's Hospital. The suspects are charged with abusing and torturing him, as well as his three-year-old cousin-Adriana's daughter.

Police say she's now in the care of Child Protective Services. The complaint includes graphic details of the abuse, including being hit, bound with a rope, and deprived of sleep and food.

George says she never saw Shania (her sister-in-law) abuse Bryce. They all lived together up until this January.

"She was an amazing mother and she tried her hardest," George said. "That's why I'm just very confused on what's happening. It doesn't make sense to me of why a mother would let something like this to happen."

The sisters have no criminal history in Tulare County. Dias has only been charged with misdemeanors. Tulare County Assistant District Attorney David Alavezos says all three acted together. The office is currently prosecuting nine child homicide cases.

"We're trying to do something about it, we've been trying to do something about it, we have an entire unit within our office focused on protecting the children in our community," Alavezos said.

Dias and the Alamillo sisters were arraigned on the additional charges Friday afternoon. They'll be back in court later this month and are being held without bail.