Butler Township, PA – 13-Year-Old Boy Tragically Killed in Heinous Domestic Attack; Adoptive Father in Custody
August 4, 2025 – A heartbreaking and deeply disturbing incident has shaken the community of Butler Township in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. In the early hours of Monday morning, at approximately 6:20 AM, Troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police Hazleton Barracks were called to assist the Butler Township Police Department with a stabbing investigation at a residence located on Louis Circle.
What they discovered would send shockwaves through the quiet neighborhood and beyond.
Upon arrival, officers found a 13-year-old male suffering from severe injuries resulting from a sustained and brutal assault. The boy was quickly transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital – Hazleton for emergency treatment. Tragically, despite medical efforts, he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.
Through an intense and rapidly developing investigation, authorities determined that the child’s adoptive father, identified as Cesar Delgadillo, a 39-year-old resident of Drums in Luzerne County, was responsible for the fatal attack. According to investigators, the victim sustained multiple traumatic injuries to his head, chest, back, and hands, inflicted over the course of several harrowing hours.
It is believed that during this prolonged assault, Delgadillo prevented the child from leaving the home, effectively trapping him inside while inflicting relentless violence. The nature and extent of the injuries indicate not only a violent physical attack but a deliberate and prolonged act of cruelty against a defenseless child.
Delgadillo was taken into custody without further incident and transported for arraignment before Magisterial District Judge Daniel O’Donnell. He has been formally charged with Criminal Homicide and a range of related offenses. Bail was denied, and Delgadillo was remanded to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, where he awaits further legal proceedings.
The investigation is being handled by the Troop N Major Case Team of the Pennsylvania State Police, in coordination with the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Authorities have stressed the importance of preserving the integrity of the case and have noted that additional updates will be released in due course, as the investigation continues.
This tragic loss has left a deep wound in the hearts of neighbors, educators, and peers who knew the young victim. The community, still grappling with the magnitude of the event, has begun rallying together in mourning and support, expressing sorrow, anger, and a call for justice.
The Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office has not yet released the name of the minor victim, in respect of privacy and the sensitive nature of the case. Crisis counselors and support services are being made available to community members, especially those closely affected by the tragedy.
As this case develops, the focus remains on honoring the memory of the young victim and ensuring that justice is served in the face of this appalling act of domestic violence.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Pennsylvania State Police Hazleton Barracks or the Butler Township Police Department.
