Long Island man charged in death of girlfriend's 17-month old son who was 'severely beaten'

UNIONDALE, L.I. (WABC) -- A Long Island man is being held on a $10 million bond, charged with beating to death his girlfriend's baby.

Lord Pardo, 26, of Uniondale, was arraigned Tuesday on second-degree murder charges involving the 17-month-old boy. He said nothing to reporters as he headed into court.

Prosecutors said Pardo murdered his girlfriend's 17-month-old baby, Mason Robinson, of New Cassel, while he was baby sitting the infant at his house in Uniondale on Sunday. The baby's mother, Marie Erestine, was working at a grocery store in Jericho.

Polcie said Pardo texted Erestine saying that her baby had stopped breathing after he fell off the bed.

Mason was rushed to North Shore LIJ Syosset Hospital, where he pronounced dead at about 3 p.m. Sunday.

On Tuesday, officials said the baby was "severely beaten" and that is what caused his death. The autopsy revealed that Mason had fractured ribs, a fractured skull, a lacerated liver and diaphragm, as well as massive internal bleeding. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide.

"It's clear the defendant has no soul," said Thomas Krumpter with Nassau County police. "He is truly a monster."

Defense attorney Meir Moza said Pardo didn't do what prosecutors allege he did.

"Absolutely no attempt to harm the baby," said Moza. "He has a baby of his own. This individual doesn't have any prior criminal record."

Pardo does have a 3-week-old baby of his own from another relationship.

"We allege, and we will ultimately prove, that this was no accident," said Madeline Singas, the acting Nassau district attorney.