Crime & Safety
Father Charged In Death Of Infant Daughter From Blunt Force Trauma
A 28-year-old father faces murder charges after his daughter, 3 months, died from blunt force trauma in Fairfax County, authorities say.
BAILEY'S CROSSROADS, VA — A 28-year-old father was charged with second-degree murder on Tuesday in the blunt force trauma homicide of his 3-month-old daughter in Bailey's Crossroads, according to Fairfax County police.
Officers responded around 7:30 p.m. Friday to the 3400 block of Lake Street to investigate the report of an unresponsive infant.
"Upon arrival, officers determined the infant was not breathing and immediately began CPR until Fire and Rescue personnel arrived and continued life-saving efforts," according to the incident report. "The infant was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased."
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At the time of her death, the child was in the care of her father Misael Lopez Gomez of Bailey's Crossroads, according to the report. FCPD investigators and hospital staff reported seeing evidence consistent with abuse.
The child was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, who conducted an autopsy that preliminarily determined that the cause of death was blunt force trauma, according to police.
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On Tuesday, police arrested Lopez Gomez and charged him with second-degree murder and felony child abuse. He is being held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.
Lopez Gomez is scheduled to be arraigned at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Fairfax County General District Court, according to court documents. A preliminary hearing date has not been scheduled.
Second-degree murder carries a mandatory minimum five to 40 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000 under the Code of Virginia.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call FCPD's Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 2. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web – Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Anonymous tipsters are eligible for a cash reward. Leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.
Victim specialists from the Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure the victim’s family is receiving appropriate resources and assistance.
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