A heartbreaking case from Arizona has left a community in shock. A young father, only 19 years old, has been charged with murder after his 6-week-old baby died from serious head injuries. The father allegedly admitted to hitting the baby several times because the infant wouldn’t stop crying.
19-Year-Old Father Accused of Killing Infant Son
Arnold Barney, a 19-year-old dad from Mesa, Arizona, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and child abuse. Police say he beat his 6-week-old son so badly that the baby died from the injuries. According to police reports, the baby suffered bruises, internal damage, and bleeding in the brain.
What Happened on the Day of the Incident
On the night of July 28, police and medical responders were called to an apartment complex in Mesa, near Phoenix. The baby was found in serious distress and rushed to the hospital, but sadly, he died the next morning.
According to court documents, the baby’s mother left him with Barney while she went grocery shopping around 7:30 p.m. When she came back, she found her child struggling to breathe and covered in facial bruises. She called 911 right away, but by then, the baby’s condition was already critical.
Changing Stories and Confession
When police questioned Arnold Barney, he first said the baby accidentally rolled off the couch and fell face-first onto the floor. But later, he admitted that he had lied and confessed to slapping the baby in the face twice.
Later in the interview, Barney changed his story again. This time, he said he had hit the baby in the head and face about six times out of frustration because the baby wouldn’t stop crying.
After hitting the baby, Barney swaddled him, propped up a bottle for feeding, and returned to watching videos on the couch until the child’s mother came home.
Background and Relationship Tension
The mother of the child told police that she often argued with Barney because he did not help take care of their two children. She said he was unemployed, spent most of his time on video games, and didn’t take responsibility at home. She also said he would often punch holes in the wall during arguments.
Expressed Regret, But Too Late
Barney reportedly told detectives that he regretted what he did and knew it was wrong. He also said he wanted to say sorry to the baby’s mother for what he had done.
He has been booked into jail and is being held on a $1 million bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 7.
This tragic case serves as a painful reminder of the importance of parental responsibility and emotional control. A small child lost his life due to a moment of uncontrolled anger, and a young father now faces the most serious consequences.
While justice will take its course in court, the damage done to this family can never be undone. It’s a heartbreaking situation that no one should ever have to experience.
