A 22-year-old father in Arizona is facing charges of first-degree murder and felony child abuse after allegedly beating his newborn daughter to death because she wouldn’t stop crying. Jonathan Enriquez was arrested and may spend the rest of his life behind bars if convicted of killing the 4-week-old infant.
The incident unfolded on July 11, 2024, when Mesa police responded to a call at an apartment complex about a newborn girl who was not breathing. The caller initially claimed that the baby had “choked while being fed a bottle.”
However, when first responders arrived at the scene, they found the baby unresponsive and attempted life-saving measures before rushing her to the hospital. Despite efforts to save her, the infant was later pronounced dead on July 26.
A Pattern of Inconsistent Statements
Upon investigation, police discovered that the story provided by both parents, initially about a choking incident, did not align with the evidence. During interviews with the parents, it was revealed that the injuries to the baby were not consistent with the initial claim.
Both Enriquez and his partner reportedly changed their explanation, stating that their daughter had fallen off the bed. However, Enriquez’s account changed again, admitting that he had been “quite forceful” while changing the baby, which led to the baby’s injuries.
Enriquez claimed that the baby would often hit herself, which caused him frustration. He also suggested that the injuries could have occurred when the baby fell out of her car seat or when a seatbelt buckle struck her in the face.
Despite these claims, a forensic examination of Enriquez’s phone revealed a critical piece of evidence—just before calling 911, he had texted the baby’s mother, saying he had “messed up” and urgently needed her to return home.
Devastating Injuries and Confession
Medical experts determined that the baby had suffered severe injuries, including a fractured skull, a brain bleed, broken ribs, and a broken leg. The autopsy report noted that the injuries were “catastrophic” and likely caused by “slamming, crushing, or stomping.”
When confronted with the autopsy findings, Enriquez allegedly confessed to striking his daughter in the head because she was “crying too much.” He expressed deep remorse for his actions, according to reports.
Current Legal Status
Enriquez has been charged with first-degree murder and felony child abuse and is being held on a $1 million bond at the Maricopa County Jail. The case has shocked the local community, highlighting the tragic consequences of child abuse and the devastating impact of violence on an innocent life.
