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Medical Examiner: 6-Year-Old Harlem Boy Died Of Fatal Child Abuse Syndrome

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A 6-year-old Harlem boy who was killed last month died as a result of fatal child abuse syndrome, the city's medical examiner announced Thursday.

Zymere Perkins was taken to Mount Sinai St. Luke's Hospital on September 26.

His mother, Geraldine Perkins, 26, and her boyfriend, Rysheim Smith, 42, were arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

At the time, Perkins told police that Smith beat the boy with his fists and a broomstick.

A spokeswoman for the medical examiner's office said fatal child abuse syndrome means Zymere had evidence of acute and chronic abuse, fresh injuries and old scars.

The Administration for Children's Services previously investigated five complaints of abuse and neglect involving Zymere.

Last week, the ACS suspended four top officials for dropping the ball in the investigation. Five others were placed on modified duty.

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