What to Know
Maynor Brylon Diaz Perez was just 2 years old when he passed away on August 3, 2026. The toddler reportedly became unresponsive at his home in Caton, Georgia, prompting a call to 911.
When first responders arrived, they found Maynor with multiple serious injuries. Despite rushing him to an area hospital, doctors could not save him. Police arrested his mother, 18-year-old Devorah Diaz Perez, and her boyfriend, 22-year-old Celso Edison Vicente Y Vicente, in connection with the toddler’s death.
Police immediately began investigating Maynor’s death.
According to a release from the City of Canton, first responders arrived at the residence in the 300 block of Cartersville Street around 11:30 a.m. Canton Police officers and Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services administered aid and rushed Maynor to an area hospital, where doctors pronounced him deceased.
Police arrested Vicente Y Vicente in connection with Maynor’s death on August 4, according to court documents obtained by 11 Alive 11.
Vicente Y Vicente is accused of “severely beating him with his hands and other unknown objects” while caring for him the day of his death. Maynor reported he had a “fresh open laceration” on his head and a bruise that resembled a shoe print.
Police arrested Maynor’s mother weeks later.
The City of Canton announced Diaz Perez’s arrest on August 20, but did not release many details.
“The investigation remains active and ongoing. Because criminal charges are pending, the Canton Police Department will not release additional details regarding statements made during interviews, evidence collected, or other circumstances that may become part of the judicial process,” according to a news release.
Maynor’s obituary described Diaz Perez as a devoted mother.
An online obituary described Maynor’s life as ending too soon. He brought love, joy, and light to all those he encountered. Maynor’s mother apparently adored him.
“He was the cherished and adored son of his devoted mother, Devora Diaz Perez, whose loving arms held him through every moment of his short life. The bond between Maynor and his mother was unbreakable, forged by deep love and care, and though his time with her was brief, it overflowed with all the warmth and tenderness that could be given,” the obituary reads.
“Maynor’s legacy is the light he sparked within his mother and all those fortunate enough to share in his journey, however brief. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever remain in the memories of stolen giggles, moments of sweetness, and the dreams he’d inspired.”
Diaz Perez and Vicente Y Vicente both face serious charges.
Prosecutors charge Vicente Y Vicente with malice murder and first-degree child cruelty. Diaz Perez faces charges of second-degree murder, second-degree child cruelty, and reckless conduct.
“The death of a child is heartbreaking, and our detectives remain committed to conducting a thorough and professional investigation,” Canton Police Chief Marty Ferrell shared in a news release. “We appreciate the continued assistance of our law enforcement and criminal justice partners as we work to protect the integrity of this case and allow the judicial process to move forward.”
The couple remains in custody at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.
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