Christopher Valdez, a four-year-old toddler from Chicago, was beaten to death as his family prepared to celebrate his birthday.

Christopher Valdez was found dead in his Chicago home yesterday, shortly before his party, with cake and presents, was supposed to begin.

According to police, the toddler, who died from “multiple blunt trauma” had been dead for several hours before emergency crews found him yesterday.

An unnamed male suspect, believed to be the mother’s boyfriend, is in custody, but no charges have been made.

Police confirmed that the Christopher Valdez’s death was the result of a “domestic situation”.

Christopher Valdez (centre) was found dead in his Chicago home yesterday, shortly before his party, with cake and presents, was supposed to begin

The boy’s mother called one of her brothers yesterday “desperate for help”, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

One of her siblings is said to have restrained her boyfriend and discovered that the toddler had been beaten after arriving at the scene.

Steven Valdez, the boy’s great uncle, told NBC Chicago noted that the boyfriend of his niece, currently in police custody, is known for being anti-social and violent.

He claimed that two weeks ago the man beat a dog severely after it relieved itself in his home.

Christopher Valdez was dead when police arrived at the home about 2:10 p.m. yesterday.

Christopher Valdez was a happy, appealing boy, who loved Spiderman, and carried a toy rabbit with him everywhere, his grandfather Tom Valdez told the Chicago Tribune.

The boy’s mother and her boyfriend were last night questioned by police.

Relatives said they had a cake and presents ready to celebrate the child’s birthday but instead are now in mourning.

Last night the grieving family gathered at the nearby home of Christopher Valdez’s grandparents.

The grandfather, Tom Valdez said relatives were confused and hurt. The “entire family is in shock”.

Tom Valdez told the Chicago Sun Times: “We want everyone to know that our daughter is innocent of whatever happened there.”

The family said Christopher’s mother, Crystal Valdez, phoned one of her brothers for help on Friday afternoon.

On arriving the brother was forced to restrain his sister’s boyfriend, who also lives at the same address, family members said.

“He has created a lot of problems,” said Tom Valdez.

The boy’s great uncle Steven Valdez told NBC Chicago that the man has a reputation for being anti-social and violent.

Christopher Valdez had three siblings, his grandfather said.