New Headstone for Hays County Child

A 6-month old Hays County child, killed by his baby-sitter last year, now has a new marker for his grave. It's a gift from the investigators and prosecutors who wanted to give his family more than courtroom justice.

James Deatherage carried a grey granite stone into the Hays County Cemetery Friday morning. It was difficult to hold, but nothing compared to the heavy burden he hopes to lift.

"It seemed like the right thing to do, it is very sad that it happened," said Deatherage.

He re- cut the stone at his Seguin memorial business, correcting an earlier etching error, and is proving the headstone at no charge. He decided to make the marker after receiving a call from a county investigator a few days ago.

"Some of the people from the office had come out and saw the grave wasn't marked. He had known I have helped out in the past, said Deatherage.

The new granite marker is for Aiden Skyler Perez who was 6 months old when he died. The headstone arrived shortly after what would have been his 2nd birthday. As Aiden was in his small grave, the man who prosecutors say killed him was in a San Marcos courtroom, charged with capital murder. The trial was for 22 year old Richard Perez, Jr. He is not Aidens father, but in January of 2008, he was dating the little boy's mother. Investigators say in early January of 2007 Perez staged a car accident near the Blanco River Bridge. He was accused of trying to hide the injuries he caused to Aiden while at their Centerpoint Rd. home. His trail ended June 8th and for taking the child's life, Perez was sentenced to life in prison.

Friday Nelda Barcenas, Aiden's grandmother, brought new flowers to his grave, and to see the unexpected gift. The family had already put a down payment down on a headstone with an Austin company but was still trying to raise the rest of the cash to pay for it. The marker from Deatherage caught them by complete surprise.

"Thank you very much, said Barcenas as she walked up to James Deatherage. She shook his hand, and then gave him a hug. Slightly embarrassed, Deatherage responded by simply saying, Youre' quite welcome, Im so sorry four your loss.

The family had no idea complete strangers would want to help them.

"We are very thankful, we appreciate it very much, for what they've done for Aiden, said Barcenas.

It was an unexpected act of kindness that briefly brought two people together. Both left the cemetery knowing what was done will not replace who was lost, but it may help ease some of the pain.