UPDATE: Van Erick Custodio Now Charged with First-Degree Murder after Six-Week-Old Adopted Son Dies

UPDATE: Van Erick Custodio Now Charged with First-Degree Murder after Six-Week-Old Adopted Son Dies

Gastonia, N.C. - April 14, 2022: Detectives from the Gastonia Police Department (GPD) have now charged Van Erick Custodio, age 42, of Gastonia, with first-degree murder after six-week-old Lucas Birchim succumbed to his injuries at the hospital yesterday evening.  Custodio was previously charged by GPD detectives with felony child abuse – severe bodily injury.

This remains an active investigation. Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call GPD Detective J. Loftin at (704) 866-6702.

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Gastonia, N.C., just minutes west of Charlotte, is one of the area’s best places to live and work with an ideal combination of location, size and livability. Gastonia is the largest of Gaston County’s 13 municipalities and one of the largest cities in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Selected as an All-America City three times, Gastonia’s desirable quality of life is the result of its beautiful natural surroundings, friendly neighborhoods, responsive government and vibrant business environment.










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