Moorhead, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — In a harrowing development from Clay County, 24-year-old Mason Garza, formerly known as Rosa Garza, has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of 3-year-old Eastyn Deronjic. The plea was entered on April 7, 2025, in a courtroom filled with the anguished cries of family members and friends mourning the young boy’s tragic end.
Garza, who had been caring for Eastyn and his infant sibling for approximately six months, admitted to using “unnecessary force” on the child, leading to his death. Emergency responders were called to the apartment on Belsly Boulevard in March 2024, where they found Eastyn unresponsive with multiple bruises. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at Sanford Hospital.
The autopsy revealed 28 blunt force injuries, with the cause of death determined to be assault. Garza confessed to losing temper and striking Eastyn, who subsequently exhibited signs of severe distress, including vomiting and fainting. Tragically, while Garza sought medical attention for co-defendant Shiann Erickson that day, Eastyn was left without care, ultimately succumbing to his injuries.
Garza’s sentencing is scheduled for May 15, 2025. The plea agreement suggests a 20-year sentence, a term that has been met with outrage from Eastyn’s family, who feel it does not equate to the loss of the young boy’s life.
Co-defendant Shiann Erickson faces a separate trial, with a pre-trial hearing set for May 12, 2025. Erickson has been accused of failing to protect Eastyn and is alleged to have been aware of the abuse he suffered.
Did You Know?
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Eastyn Deronjic’s death was ruled a homicide due to blunt force trauma.
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Garza and Erickson were arrested in July 2024, following the release of the autopsy report.
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Text messages between the defendants indicated awareness and discussion of the child’s injuries.
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The case has prompted discussions on the responsibilities of caregivers and the systems in place to protect vulnerable children.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.