Pediatrician Arrested After Daughter’s Death
An Oklahoma pediatrician, accused of killing her 4-year-old daughter in Florida, was discovered hiding in her laundry room when law enforcement arrived earlier this month.
On July 1, body camera footage released by the Oklahoma City Police Department captured the chaotic scene outside her Oklahoma City home.
“Neha Gupta, come to the front door. Do it now,” shouted an ex-US agent, demanding her compliance. “We have a warrant for your arrest. Come to the front door. Do it now.”
Despite repeated calls from police, Gupta refused to open the door. Once they entered, officers were seen scouring the home, even handing out a child’s toy set while searching for the 36-year-old suspect.
With their weapons drawn, the officers finally discovered Gupta tucked away in a dark corner of the laundry room. “Hands! Come out!” one officer yelled, forcing her onto the ground and placing her in handcuffs before leading her out through the garage.
The warrant for Gupta’s arrest came shortly after the tragic death of her daughter, Aria Tarati, who allegedly drowned while they were on vacation in Miami.
On June 27, while staying in short-term rentals, Gupta called 911 around 3:30 AM, claiming her daughter had suffered an accidental drowning. Emergency responders found Tarati unresponsive in the pool and rushed her to the Rider Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead about an hour later.
Gupta stated that she was awakened by “unidentified noise” and found Aria in the pool. She mentioned trying to save her for around ten minutes before seeking help. However, an autopsy revealed no water in Tarati’s lungs or stomach, indicating she had likely died from suffocation due to choking, with evidence of injuries to her mouth and cheek.
Prosecutors believe the child likely died before being placed in the pool. Additionally, investigators noted that Tarati’s stomach was empty, contradicting Gupta’s claims about having dinner the night before at 9 PM. This led to the issuance of a warrant for her arrest.
By the time law enforcement sought her out, Gupta had returned home. She reportedly urged detectives to travel to Oklahoma, which led to a collaboration with the Oklahoma City Police Department to apprehend her.
Following her arrest, Gupta was extradited to Miami-Dade County, where she faces a first-degree murder charge. Currently held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, she is set to appear in court on August 7 for a hearing related to her arrest.
Further investigation revealed that Gupta had been fired from her position at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital and was entangled in a bitter custody dispute with her ex-husband. The couple’s divorce, which was finalized in 2024, included a denied request from Gupta for sole custody of their child.
