1-Year Delay Unveiled in Abuse Probe of Injured Tucson Infant

Police records reveal a significant yearlong gap in the investigation of a critically injured 4-month-old baby under the care of foster parents. The Tucson Police Department (TPD) initiated the investigation in March 2016, but it stalled, with no significant progress for over a year.

During this period, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) also delayed its public notification of the incident. The baby, who exhibited severe head trauma indicative of non-accidental injury, was admitted to the hospital in critical condition. It wasn’t until four months ago that DCS substantiated the allegations of abuse against both foster parents.

“State law forbids DCS from releasing information on a child’s death or near death until it is confirmed that abuse, abandonment, or neglect by a parent, guardian, or caregiver caused the incident,” explained Darren DaRonco, a DCS spokesman.

TPD’s investigation concluded in March 2017, allowing DCS to complete its own investigation. Despite determining the abuse occurred in March, DCS didn’t make the incident public until April 27. The baby, originally admitted to Tucson Medical Center with flu symptoms and a double ear infection, suffered a stroke and presented with severe injuries upon transfer to Banner-University Medical Center.

Medical tests revealed retinal hemorrhaging, brain bruising, and a fractured right arm, suggesting injuries occurring days to weeks before hospital admission. Because no arrests were made, the involved parties remain unnamed.

Day-care employees noted the baby had been out sick for three weeks and seemed unwell on her first day back, with her foster mother expressing concern. When the baby was dropped off, she was making unusual gasping sounds, which her foster father attributed to medication for her respiratory illness. Hours later, a transportation worker found the baby in a severely deteriorated state.

The day-care contacted the foster father, who took nearly two hours to arrive and seemed unconcerned. Employees later confirmed the baby’s biological father was not responsible for the injuries. Despite interviews with the foster mother, day-care workers, and other children in the home, detectives never interviewed the foster father, who remained unreachable.

In February, another doctor suggested the injuries could result from shaking or other severe trauma. Yet, detectives couldn’t pinpoint the exact timing or perpetrator of the injury. Consequently, the Pima County Attorney’s Office declined prosecution.

When questioned about the investigative delay, police spokeswoman Sgt. Kimberly Bay cited the child-abuse protocol involving multiple agencies, including DCS. Bay emphasized the priority was the child’s health and safety. Following the incident, the foster parents relinquished their licenses.

The baby has since been placed with another family, though her current medical condition is unknown. DCS reports that another foster baby in the home was moved to a new placement, but the couple’s biological children were deemed safe.

Originally, the baby was removed from her birth parents’ custody in October 2015 due to neglect reports.