REMEMBERING URIJAH

Urijah Lara-Baca was a precious baby boy whose life had only just begun. Born on February 25, 2012, he should have had an entire childhood ahead of him, filled with love, laughter, and the countless milestones that make a child's early years so special.

At just three months old, Urijah depended entirely on the adults around him for comfort, nourishment, and protection. He deserved gentle hands to hold him, loving arms to comfort him, and a safe home where he could grow.

Instead, his life was tragically cut short following an alcohol fueled confrontation involving his mother.

Urijah never had the opportunity to take his first steps, speak his first words, or celebrate his first birthday. His time in this world was heartbreakingly brief, but his life was no less precious.

URIJAH'S STORY

Urijah was born on February 25, 2012, and lived with his family in Avon, Colorado.

During the early morning hours of June 6, 2012, his mother, Tanya Baca, became involved in an altercation with her boyfriend while she was heavily intoxicated.

According to the account of the criminal proceedings, Tanya admitted that she had been drinking when the confrontation began. During the incident, she tripped and fell onto her infant son, causing devastating injuries.

Her blood alcohol concentration was later reported to be 0.209, more than twice the legal limit for driving in Colorado.

Shortly after midnight, Avon police responded to Vail Valley Medical Center after receiving a report that Urijah had suffered serious injuries.

Because of the severity of his condition, Urijah was airlifted to Children's Hospital in Aurora, Colorado, where medical professionals continued desperately trying to save his life.

Despite their efforts, his injuries proved fatal.

On June 6, 2012, Urijah passed away, just over three months after entering the world.

His death was a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a child's life can be placed in danger when the adults responsible for their safety are impaired and involved in violence.

WARNING SIGNS & SYSTEM FAILURES

The available information does not establish whether child protective services had received previous reports concerning Urijah or whether there had been earlier incidents of abuse or neglect.

However, the circumstances of his death revealed the devastating danger of alcohol impairment and violence occurring around a defenseless infant.

Urijah was too young to recognize danger, move himself to safety, or call for help.

He depended entirely on the adults around him to make responsible decisions and protect him from harm.

His death demonstrates how a single incident of reckless behavior can have irreversible consequences for a child whose safety depends on others.

JUSTICE FOR URIJAH

Following Urijah's death, Tanya Baca faced criminal proceedings for her role in the incident that took her son's life.

She admitted that she had been intoxicated when she became involved in the altercation with her boyfriend and fell onto Urijah.

Tanya was sentenced to six years in prison.

During the proceedings, she expressed grief and remorse over the loss of her son, describing the pain and regret she had experienced since his death.

Although the criminal case resulted in a prison sentence, no punishment could restore Urijah's life or give him the childhood he never had the opportunity to experience.

FOREVER REMEMBERED

Urijah Lara-Baca should have had a lifetime of beautiful moments waiting ahead of him.

He should have celebrated birthdays, learned to walk, spoken his first words, and experienced the joy of discovering the world around him.

He deserved a childhood filled with love, safety, and the comfort of knowing he would always be protected.

Instead, his life ended before so many of those precious memories could begin.

Urijah was more than the circumstances surrounding his death. He was a little boy whose life mattered and whose future deserved the chance to unfold.

Through Abuse Angels, we honor Urijah and remember the precious baby whose time in this world was far too short.

Rest peacefully, sweet Urijah. You deserved a lifetime of love, happiness, and gentle care.

Forever three months. Forever loved. Forever an Abuse Angel.