A heartbreaking video shown to a Texas jury during a murder trial has revealed the heart-wrenching moment a four-year-old boy pleaded with his father for bread just days before he died from starvation. Benjamin Cervera’s cries for bread, water, or milk were captured in one of the videos as he begged, “Dad, dad, I want some bread.” The young boy tragically passed away on August 17, 2021, as a result of starvation.
Over 30 videos were presented in court this week by the prosecution, aiming to establish the responsibility of the boy’s father, 31-year-old Brandon Cervera, for the child’s death. Brandon Cervera is facing charges of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury and the possibility of a life sentence if convicted for starving his son to death.
The court was shown video clips from June 2021, which depicted the boy rummaging through the kitchen and fridge in the dead of night. Despite the child grabbing some snacks in one video, it was later revealed that locks had been installed on cabinets and the fridge. Text messages between Cervera and his ex-wife suggested a troubling situation, with Cervera stating at one point, “He doesn’t need to eat dinner,” as testified by Detective Lawrence Saiz of the San Antonio Police Department during the trial.
Further evidence presented in court included testimony from Officer Omar Perez, who described visible injuries on Benjamin, including bruises on his eyes and torso, highlighting the severe state of malnourishment he was in. Bexar County Chief Medical Examiner Kimberly Molina confirmed the cause of death as starvation and ruled it a homicide.
In his defense, Cervera has claimed that the child had behavioural issues and had harmed himself. His defense attorney, Jodi Soyars, argued that scientific evidence would support that the boy was not starved or dehydrated. The trial continues this week as the defense presents its case to counter the prosecution’s claims.
This tragic case has shed light on the devastating consequences of neglect and abuse, sparking a national conversation about the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children. The courtroom revelations have left many deeply moved, prompting calls for justice to be served in the memory of young Benjamin Cervera.