A 22-year-old father in Arizona is facing charges of first-degree murder and felony child abuse after allegedly beating his 4-week-old daughter to death because she wouldn’t stop crying. Jonathan Enriquez was arrested and could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted.
The Tragic Incident
The incident occurred on July 11, 2024, when Mesa police responded to a call at an apartment complex reporting that a newborn girl was not breathing. The caller initially claimed the baby had “choked while being fed a bottle.”
However, when paramedics arrived, they found the infant unresponsive. Despite efforts to save her, she was later pronounced dead on July 26, 2024.
Inconsistent Statements and Investigation
During the investigation, police found that the initial explanation given by Enriquez and his partner about the choking incident did not match the evidence. The parents’ story evolved, with Enriquez claiming that the baby had fallen off the bed. Later, Enriquez admitted to being “quite forceful” while changing the baby, which he said might have caused the injuries.
Enriquez also suggested that the baby might have injured herself by hitting her face or falling out of her car seat. However, forensic analysis of Enriquez’s phone revealed a chilling text message sent to the baby’s mother before calling 911. In the message, Enriquez admitted he had “messed up” and urgently needed her to return home.
Autopsy Findings and Confession
The medical examination revealed devastating injuries, including a fractured skull, a brain bleed, broken ribs, and a broken leg. Experts determined that the injuries were “catastrophic” and likely caused by “slamming, crushing, or stomping.”
Confronted with these findings, Enriquez allegedly confessed to striking his daughter in the head because she was “crying too much.” He expressed deep remorse for his actions.
Current Legal Status
Enriquez is currently being held on a $1 million bond at Maricopa County Jail, facing charges of first-degree murder and felony child abuse. His arrest has shocked the local community, highlighting the heartbreaking impact of child abuse and the irreversible damage caused by violence against innocent children.
