A.V. MAN, 19, CHARGED IN BOY'S SHAKING DEATH.

Byline: Karen Maeshiro Staff Writer

LANCASTER - A 19-year-old Lancaster man has been charged with murder in the death of his girlfriend's 17-month-old son, who authorities say died from being shaken violently.

Carlos Arrellano was arrested June 17, four days after the death of Johnny Garcia at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, investigators said.

``The incident occurred on June 12, but the baby didn't die until the following day,'' Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Jack Jordan said.

Arrellano has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing date set July 23.

Arrellano, the baby's mother and the baby went to visit the defendant's mother in Rosamond on the day of the incident, Jordan said.

``The (baby's) mother and her mother-in-law went to the store, leaving the suspect and baby at home,'' Jordan said. ``When they came back, the suspect told them the victim had choked. In an effort to revive him he shook him.''

Paramedics were summoned and the infant was initially transported to Antelope Valley Hospital. ``But due to his critical condition, he was airlifted to Childrens Hospital, where he later died as a result of his injuries,'' Jordan said.

The baby was pronounced dead at 5 p.m. June 13, Jordan said.

Karen Maeshiro, [phone]

karen.maeshiro(at)dailynews.com