A Navy corpsman charged with murder remains in the Onslow County jail without bond following his weekend arrest in connection with the death of a 2-year-old child.
Ricardo Montesinos, 24, of Jacksonville had his first appearance in Onslow County District Court Monday after being charged by the Jacksonville Police Department with an open count of murder.
No bond was granted and Montesinos’ next court date was scheduled for Jan. 27. According to the Onslow County Clerk of Court, he refused a court-appointed attorney and has hired an attorney on his own.
Jacksonville police responded to Ravenwood Apartments on Jan. 1 in reference to a medical call. First responders attempted emergency life-saving measures on the two-year-old child, but were unsuccessful, according to initial information released by Jacksonville Police Department over the weekend.
Montesinos was charged after investigators consulted with the district attorney’s office about the incident.
The Daily News reached out for more information pertaining to the child’s injuries and potential additional charges but the police department declined to comment due to the ongoing investigation.
“This is an active and ongoing murder investigation” said Capt. Mike Capps, supervisor of JPD’s Investigative Services Division.
The arrest warrant states Montesinos “unlawfully, willfully and feloniously did of malice aforethought kill and murder Annaley Ratliff.”
Police did not elaborate on Montesinos’ relationship to the child but military officials said they are aware of Montesinos’ alleged involvement in the death of his fiancee’s child.
Montesinos is a 2d Marine Division hospital corspman who enlisted in the Navy in January 2017.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is assisting JPD in the investigation.
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