Father convicted of murdering 7-month-old son takes stand in DCF civil case

A Connecticut courtroom heard emotional testimony as a civil case revisits the 2015 death of 7-month-old Aaden Moreno, who was killed after being thrown from the Arrigoni Bridge.

The child’s father, Tony Moreno, is serving a 70-year prison sentence for murder but continues to maintain his innocence. Aaden’s family is now suing the Department of Children and Families, arguing the agency failed to do enough to protect Aaden.

Tony briefly took the stand, denying he was abusive and disputing his conviction.

“I was never angry, you were never angry, I was hurt and upset,” said Tony.

He also criticized the outcome of his criminal trial.

“I know that trial was a joke and they would have convicted a bologna sandwich,” he said.

Tony acknowledged having some contact with DCF, at least one phone call, but said he could not recall specific details.

“Did they ever ask you about any threats made against Aaden?” asked Attorney Keith McCabe.

“Possibly, but I don’t recall, and I never made any,” Tony said.

The state declined to cross-examine Tony.

Aaden’s mother, Adrianne Oyola, then testified, describing what she said was a pattern of abuse and threats leading up to her son’s death.

Oyola told the court that Tony made repeated threats against her and Aaden.

“He would threaten a lot to get rid of me and get rid of my son,” she said.

Oyola said those concerns led her to seek a restraining order against Tony. She also testified that DCF knew of her concerns before the order eventually lapsed, allowing Tony access to Aaden.

Tony took custody of the child on July 3, 2015. Aaden was dead two days later.

Oyola testified that she didn’t recall any significant action by DCF after raising safety concerns.

“What, if anything, did DCF do when you expressed immediate concerns over the safety of yourself and baby Aaden?”

“I don’t remember them doing much of anything,” Oyola said.

The state maintains that DCF followed protocol and that its investigation was still active at the time. Officials also argued they did not consider Tony a significant risk leading up to Aaden’s death.

Oyola reflected on the loss of her son during her testimony as well.

“He was taken too soon, and that, he probably would’ve been an amazing kid right now,” said Oyola.