Tucson Police Reveal Disturbing Details: Infant Found Dead with Severe Head Trauma

A Tucson infant, Jose Valuenzuela, tragically died on Mother’s Day, revealing severe and chronic head trauma, according to police reports released recently. His mother, Salma Rodriguez, and her boyfriend, Ivan Herrera, now face first-degree murder charges linked to the child’s death, as detailed in Pima County Superior Court records.

The Tucson Police Department responded to an emergency call on May 11, where Herrera reported that the infant fell off the couch and had become unresponsive. Despite urgent hospital care, doctors were unable to revive Jose. Medical examinations showed extensive bruising on his brain, a skull fracture, and previous rib fractures. A subsequent brain scan indicated no activity, and doctors placed him on life support.

After three days, further tests confirmed brain death, leading to Jose’s removal from life support. Both Rodriguez and Herrera, when questioned at the hospital, initially stated that the baby had fallen off the couch and started crying. Rodriguez claimed she tried to soothe him with a bottle, but he began to choke, prompting her to call emergency services. Herrera attempted abdominal thrusts before seeking help outside.

However, Herrera later altered his account, insisting that Jose was unresponsive immediately after the fall. The situation surrounding the couple draws serious concern. Rodriguez’s mother noted prior tensions, mentioning her daughter’s past conflicts with Herrera, whom she described as controlling and abusive. Although unsure about his treatment of the children, she felt compelled to move out for safety.

Just a week prior to Jose’s hospitalization, Rodriguez asked her mother for financial aid due to an electricity disconnection. Lacking the means to assist, Rodriguez sent three of her children to relatives while keeping the infant with her. The father of three of Rodriguez’s children, including Jose, is incarcerated.

Jose’s paternal grandmother reported to police her suspicions of Herrera’s abusive behavior, mentioning that she had witnessed Rodriguez with a black eye. Additional witness accounts revealed that on the day of Jose’s distress, neighbors heard arguing between Rodriguez and Herrera, followed by the sounds of a crying baby, suggesting potential turmoil in the household.

Herrera and Rodriguez were arrested for felony child abuse on May 12, and ten days later, they were indicted on murder charges. Currently, Rodriguez is in Pima County jail on a $25,000 bond, while Herrera faces a bond of $30,000. The Department of Child Safety has intervened and removed Rodriguez’s other children from her custody. Notably, prior allegations of abuse against Rodriguez from 2011 regarding another child were, however, deemed unsubstantiated.

For further inquiries, contact reporter Caitlin Schmidt at cschmidt@tucson.com or 573-4191. Follow her on Twitter: @caitlinschmidt.