Arizona Father Charged in Infant Daughter’s Death After ‘Crying Too Much’ Confession

On July 11, Mesa, Arizona, police responded to a report of a baby not breathing early that morning. First responders found the infant unresponsive and rushed her to the hospital in critical condition.

For 15 days, medical teams fought to save her—but on July 26, the newborn succumbed to her injuries.

Injuries Revealed: A Pattern of Harm

Doctors discovered that the child had not only suffered one injury, but multiple injuries in various stages of healing.

She had a fractured skull, bleeding in the brain, broken ribs, a broken leg, and bruising around her eyes. The autopsy later determined the damage consistent with slamming, crushing, or stomping.

Father’s Shocking Admission

Initially, the baby’s parents offered differing explanations—ranging from choking on a bottle to falling off a bed, being hit by a stroller strap, or being struck by a car seat buckle. But during a later interview, the baby’s father, 22-year-old Jonathan Enriquez, confessed: he admitted to striking the infant on the left side of her head while she lay in her bassinet, telling investigators she had been “crying too much.”

He also admitted to swaddling her tightly in an attempt to quiet her.

Legal Charges Filed

Enriquez was promptly arrested. He faces charges of first-degree murder and child abuse, and is being held on a $1 million bond. Law enforcement officials highlighted that the severity and pattern of the injuries, coupled with the admission, justify the serious charges.

A Community in Shock and Loss

The Pueblo del Sol apartment complex, where the tragedy unfolded, has been left reeling.

Neighbors describe the case as haunting—especially given the helplessness of an infant unable to cry for help. In the face of such violence, community members have met the news with grief and a renewed urgency around child protection.

Wider Implications: Raising Awareness

This case is one more in a string of reports underscoring the tragic outcomes of infant abuse—especially when caregivers cannot tolerate normal developmental behaviors like crying.

Child advocates argue it’s a reminder of how crucial mental health support, parenting education, and reporting mechanisms are to preventing such tragedies.

What’s Next in Justice and Policy?

Police investigations are ongoing, and prosecutors are preparing a case aimed at securing justice for the child.

Meanwhile, the community and lawmakers are calling for greater awareness and systemic resources—urging hospitals, social services, and law enforcement to redouble efforts to identify and support families at risk of child abuse.

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