Man Accused Of Raping, Killing Child Identified

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia Police have identified the man who is accused of raping a 1-year-old, who later died, last week.

Saleem Salaam, 24, of Philadelphia, was charged with murder; attempted murder; unlawful sexual contact with a minor; rape; involuntary deviate sexual intercourse; aggravated assault; corruption of minors; endangering the welfare of another person; simple assault; and recklessly endangering another person, court records show.

Salaam is being held in in jail after being denied bail, court records show.

He will appear in court for his preliminary hearing on the murder charge on June 27 and the other charged will be heard on June 21, according to court documents.

According to police, officers reposed to the area of 1700 Conestoga Street at about 5:34 p.m. Wednesday, June 7 for a report of an unresponsive child and found the 1-year-old boy upstairs and unresponsive.

EMS crews arrived and took the child to CHOP where he was pronounced dead at 6:08 p.m., police said.

Police said the attending physician noted multiple bruises on the child and signs of sexual assault.

Police said a 24-year-old man – later identified as Salaam – who identifies himself as the child's step father was taken to the police Special Victims Unit and was arrested after an investigation.

Police said he will face charges including attempted murder, rape, aggravated assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, endangering the welfare of a child, and related offenses.

Image via Philadelphia Police