An Arizona man reportedly caused the death of his newborn daughter, claiming it was due to her extensive crying. Initially, he attempted to deflect blame, saying he choked while drinking from a bottle.
Jonathan Enriquez, 22, faced first-degree murder and child abuse charges last month following the incident. According to police in Mesa, Enriquez admitted to physically attacking the infant.
First responders found the unresponsive baby girl in his apartment shortly before 9 a.m. on July 11.
Enriquez was alone with the infant at the time he stopped breathing.
Police indicated that Enriquez’s daughter suffocated while being fed from a bottle. Life-saving measures were taken, but she remained in critical condition and was eventually declared dead on July 26.
Further investigations revealed the baby had sustained various injuries, including a fractured skull and brain hemorrhages, some of which showed signs of healing. Reports mention inconsistencies in statements made by the parents, suggesting injuries resulted from falling out of bed or being struck by a car seat buckle.
While changing her diaper, Enriquez reportedly expressed being “very powerful” and texted the baby’s mother, saying the infant had been “smashed down” and urged her to return home as the baby stopped breathing.
Later, he confessed to hitting her on the left side of her head due to her “crying too much” while in her bassinet, adding he had rocked her tightly to quiet her down, according to reports.
An autopsy revealed injuries consistent with severe impacts like “slamming, crushing, or stomping.” It’s still uncertain if the baby’s mother will face any charges. Enriquez, who showed “deep regret,” is currently being held on a $1 million bond.
