Gruesome Injuries Detailed as Stepmother Arraigned in Toddler Murder

The Roxbury woman charged with beating her 3-year-old stepson to death is being held without bail, the Suffolk County District Attorney's Daniel F. Conley said Wednesday.

Maria Buie, 23, has been charged with second-degree murder related to fatal injuries she allegedly inflicted on 3-year-old Kenai Whyte. She was arraigned Wednesday morning.

Whyte was found unconscious Jan. 31 in his father's Alpine Street home and transported to Boston Medical Center, where he died Feb. 2.

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Prosecutors say Buie was alone with the child after others witnessed him to be unharmed and healthy.

"The investigation specifically showed that the victim appeared to be in good health, was acting normally, and was free of any injuries up until arriving home at 23 Alpine Street with his stepmother, Maria Buie," said Assistant District Attorney Craig Iannini.

Whyte's injuries included a fractured vertebra, retinal bleeding, bruising in the area of both ears, bruising on the top and back of his head, bruising and a contusion on his forehead, scratches on his torso, and a laceration to his penis.

Clerk Magistrate Lisa Medeiros ordered Buie held without bail. She is scheduled to return for trial May 25, 2017.

Buie was arrested March 29 when she turned herself in. She was charged with aggravated assault and battery on a child and held on a $100,000 bail. Those charges were upgraded when Whyte’s death was ruled a homicide.