On the morning of Saturday, October 18 (2025), emergency services were called after young Dante was found unresponsive in a car outside a Dairy Queen in West Allis.

• On the morning of Saturday, October 18 (2025), emergency services were called after young Dante was found unresponsive in a car outside a Dairy Queen in West Allis. WTMJ+2WISN+2

• Investigators say Dante was covered in bruises on his head, face, torso, back and extremities. The bruising was noted as inconsistent with a simple fall. WISN+2WISN+2

• The child’s father, Devario Cruz (age 21), has been charged with multiple felonies including first‐degree reckless homicide, repeated physical abuse of a child causing death, chronic neglect of a child (resulting in death) and other counts. WISN+2East Idaho News+2

• The mother, Charlotte Kurek (age 31), has been charged with chronic child neglect (two counts), one of which is in relation to the death of Dante. WISN+1

• The surviving twin sister of Dante was also found to have signs of abuse and bruising, according to the criminal complaint. WISN+1

• The court commissioner described the case during the initial appearance as among the “worst cases” he’s seen. WTMJ+1

• Bonds have been set: Cruz is held on $250,000 cash bond; Kurek has bond set at $100,000, with a no-contact order between her and the children. WTMJ+1

⚠️ Additional Context / Emerging Issues

• The parents initially claimed Dante had fallen down the stairs the previous night. Investigators allege this was false given the pattern/severity of bruising. WISN+1

• Child Protective Services (CPS) reportedly had prior involvement with this family. WISN+1

• The father reportedly admitted in interview that the abuse was severe: when asked how hard he hit Dante “on a scale of 1-10”, he responded “7 or 8.” East Idaho News

• When first responders arrived, Dante was described as stiff and showing signs consistent with extended trauma. WISN+1

🔍 What’s Next

• The case will proceed through the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office which will review the investigation and pursue trials.

• The criminal complaint and related evidence (photos, autopsy, witness statements) will be key in the prosecution’s case.

• The charges are severe; for Cruz, the charges include homicide and abuse causing death — if convicted, he faces very significant penalties.

• For Kurek, beyond the neglect charges, the fact that abuse signs were visible on the surviving twin may factor into sentencing and child-welfare decisions for the siblings.