Salem Man Charged With Attempted Murder of 2-Year-Old

A Salem man accused of severely injuring a 2-year-old child earlier this month was ordered held without bail Friday afternoon and is now facing a charge of attempted murder.

Juan Javier Claudio, 28, of 10 Dow St., Salem, was arrested on charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault and battery and two counts of assault and battery on a child resulting in serious bodily injury.

On March 12, a local toddler was admitted the North Shore Medical Center with serious bodily injuries and hospital staffers immediately notified the police and the Department of Children and Family Services.

Salem police detectives, led by Det. Charlene Sano, began their investigation by interviewing family members, caretakers and employees at NSMC. The Essex County District Attorney's Office also assisted with the investigation, police said.

On Thursday, an Essex County Grand Jury reportedly returned indictments on Claudio and he was arrested Friday morning as he exited a trial court community service bus at the Federal Street Court Complex.

A judge ordered Claudio held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on April 4.

The child has since recovered and has been released from NSMC.

Claudio was reportedly a caretaker for the child at the time of the incident.

Det. Sano, Det. Eric Connolly, Det. Brian St. Pierre, Sgt. David Tucker and officers Kathleen Rocheville and Jonathan Duzz responded to the incident on March 12.

Officers William Jennings and John Anderson also assisted with the investigation, according to this morning's police log.

Salem Patch will post additional information as it becomes available.