The matter initially unfolded on April 1 when paramedics were called to Custodio‘s home over a report that little Birchim was in cardiac arrest. The infant was subsequently taken to a hospital in critical condition.

During an investigation, authorities discovered the 6-week-old’s cardiac arrest was “related to injuries sustained that were consistent with being physically abused.” The infant’s recorded injuries included a skull fracture, broken rib and numerous leg fractures.

The 42-year-old was later taken into custody. While Custodio was initially charged with felony child abuse with serious bodily injury, the charge was amped up to first-degree murder after the infant died.

On Thursday, the disgraced professor faced a judge, though further investigation is still underway.

Former Belmont Abbey and UNC Charlotte professor Van Erick Custodio is now being charged with 1st degree murder after his 6-week-old adopted son died last night. This is his first court appearance. @WBTV_News pic.twitter.com/NXlfLdzdIO

— Dee Dee Gatton (@DeeDeeNews) April 14, 2022

At the time of Birchim’s ordeal, Custodio was on parental leave from Belmont Abbey College and he has since been suspended.

Additionally, he worked as an adjunct instructor at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Charlotte.

“UNC Charlotte hired Van Erick Custodio on a limited, temporary contract to teach one class this semester in an adjunct capacity,” a university spokesperson revealed. “He has been placed on administrative leave, and another faculty member will cover this class for the remainder of the semester.”

It’s also been revealed that Custodio and his wife launched an initiative last year to help raise adoption funds to grow their family, consisting of one adopted daughter.

“If you happen to be hearing a call to help us fund our next adoption, we’d be gratefully honored and blessed,” he said in the video.

An organization called Both Hands helped the couple finance their adoption process, and a spokesperson acknowledged the recent tragedy in a statement.

“Our team is incredibly devastated about this news,” the agency said. “We strive for all children to be placed in safe and loving homes, so our hearts are broken.”