REMEMBERING LILLIAN

Lillian Leyba was a precious baby girl whose life ended on Thanksgiving Day in 2009, just over two months after she was born.

She lived with her parents and older sister in the basement of her great grandparents' home in Lakewood, Colorado. Her first Thanksgiving brought relatives together under one roof, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

It should have been a day of warmth, family, and the beginning of holiday traditions that Lillian would grow up sharing with those around her.

At such a young age, Lillian was only beginning to experience the world. She depended on familiar voices, gentle hands, and the comfort of being held and cared for.

She deserved to grow up alongside her older sister, surrounded by safety and affection.

Instead, her first Thanksgiving became her last.

LILLIAN'S STORY

On November 26, 2009, Lillian's extended family gathered at her great grandparents' home in Lakewood to celebrate Thanksgiving.

As the day continued, tensions developed between family members, and alcohol contributed to a series of arguments.

Lillian's parents, Marcus Leyba and Jenifer Chavez, became involved in a dispute. Chavez eventually left the home with their two year old daughter.

According to police records and a state child fatality review, Chavez wanted to take Lillian with her, but Marcus's mother insisted that the baby remain with her father.

Later that evening, Marcus became involved in a violent confrontation with his own mother while holding Lillian.

His stepsister intervened, and Marcus handed the baby to her before continuing the confrontation. His stepfather eventually separated the adults.

After the situation calmed, Marcus took Lillian downstairs to the basement where they lived.

A short time later, family members went downstairs and discovered Marcus asleep with Lillian lying beside him.

The baby was not breathing.

Her family attempted to revive her, and emergency responders were called.

Lillian had suffered catastrophic injuries to her head.

An autopsy determined that she had sustained multiple blows to the head, resulting in severe skull fractures and fatal trauma.

Medical testimony later established that her injuries were consistent with tremendous force and could not be explained by an ordinary accident.

Lillian died shortly before midnight on Thanksgiving Day.

She was only two months old.

The holiday that should have marked the beginning of a lifetime of family memories instead became the day her life was taken.

WARNING SIGNS & SYSTEM FAILURES

Lillian's death followed a history of domestic violence concerns involving her parents.

In 2007, Jefferson County human services workers became involved with the family after Marcus Leyba reportedly assaulted Jenifer Chavez while she was holding their older daughter.

Caseworkers met with Chavez but eventually closed the investigation after they were unable to locate Marcus.

A later state child fatality review noted that Marcus was incarcerated during part of that period, raising questions about why authorities had been unable to establish contact with him.

In 2009, human services workers again received information involving the family.

Shortly before Lillian's birth, authorities were notified that Chavez had tested positive for marijuana during pregnancy.

These earlier contacts documented concerns involving domestic violence and the family's circumstances before Lillian was born.

On the day she died, additional warning signs were present.

Family members witnessed Marcus's intoxication and violent behavior. His mother and stepsister were concerned about his ability to safely care for the baby.

Despite those concerns, Lillian remained in his care.

The state child fatality review raised questions about earlier opportunities to assess the family's safety and respond to the risks affecting the children.

The available records do not establish that intervention would certainly have prevented Lillian's death. They do, however, document warning signs that deserved serious attention.

Lillian was an infant who could not escape danger, communicate what was happening, or seek help.

She depended entirely on adults to recognize the risks around her and keep her safe.

JUSTICE FOR LILLIAN

Following Lillian's death, her father, Marcus Leyba, was arrested and prosecuted in Jefferson County, Colorado.

Marcus Leyba

Relationship to Lillian: Father

Convictions: First degree murder and child abuse resulting in death

Sentence: Life imprisonment for murder and 48 years for child abuse resulting in death

In November 2010, a Jefferson County jury found Marcus Leyba guilty of first degree murder and child abuse resulting in death.

During the trial, prosecutors presented medical testimony describing the devastating injuries Lillian had suffered.

Evidence established that her skull had sustained multiple severe fractures and that the injuries were caused by extraordinary force.

The jury rejected the defense's explanation of the circumstances surrounding her death.

Marcus was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder conviction and an additional 48 years for child abuse resulting in death.

The convictions established his criminal responsibility for the fatal violence inflicted upon his infant daughter.

Although the court imposed severe punishment, no sentence could restore Lillian's life or give her the childhood she deserved.

FOREVER REMEMBERED

Lillian Leyba should have celebrated many more Thanksgivings surrounded by family, laughter, and love.

She should have grown up beside her older sister, sharing childhood adventures, birthdays, holidays, and the countless little moments that become treasured family memories.

Her first Thanksgiving should have been only the beginning.

Instead, her life ended before she could experience her first Christmas, take her first steps, or speak her first words.

But Lillian deserves to be remembered for more than the violence that ended her life.

She was a baby girl, a little sister, a granddaughter, and a child whose existence brought meaning to the world during the short time she was here.

Her life was precious from the moment it began, and its value cannot be measured by how briefly she lived.

Lillian deserved gentle hands, a safe home, and the opportunity to grow into the person she might have become.

Her story reminds us that even the youngest children deserve protection, and that warning signs of violence must never be ignored.

Abuse Angels remembers Lillian Leyba.

Remembered. Honored. Never Forgotten.

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS & REPORTS