Father Charged In 11-Month-Old Daughter’s Death: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — A Hamden father has been arrested in connection to the death of his 11-month-old daughter last July, according to police. On July 26, 2017, members of the Hamden Police and Fire departments responded to the Hamden Health Care Center, located at 1270 Sherman Avenue, on the report of an unresponsive 11-month-old infant. Health Care employees rendered medical assistance to the infant and Hamden Fire Rescue continued life-saving measures, according to Capt. Ronald Smith. The infant was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital for medical treatment and was pronounced dead on July 31, according to Smith.

Smith said investigation revealed that the infant’s father, Daniel Armfield, transported the infant and two other children to Hamden Health Care to pick up her biological mother. Upon arrival, Armfield checked on the infant and determined that she was not breathing and a Hamden Health Care worker immediately came to her aid, according to Smith.

“A subsequent search of Armfield’s motor vehicle led to the discovery of several loose pills,” Smith wrote in a press release. “The pills were located on the backseat floor. The pills were identified as Oxycodone. Officers further seized a small quantity of cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine from inside of the vehicle. A search of Armfield’s residence led to the seizure of two empty Oxycodone prescription bottles.”

The Medical Examiner determined that the infant’s cause of death was “Acute Oxycodone Intoxication” and the manner of death was listed as “undetermined, ingested medication prescribed to another,” according to Smith.

Det. Angelo DeLieto conducted the investigation that led to an arrest warrant for Armfield, who was arrested at police headquarters on March 29.

Armfield, 32, of Elliot Drive in Hamden, was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, three counts of risk of injury to a minor, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and several motor vehicle charges. Armfield, who was detained on a court-ordered $75,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on April 12.

Pictured: Daniel Armfield, 32, of Hamden / via the Hamden Police Department