Phoenix father faces first-degree murder and child abuse charges after infant’s death ruled homicide

Arrest follows medical examiner’s homicide ruling months after child’s death

Phoenix police have arrested a 26-year-old man on allegations of first-degree murder and felony child abuse in connection with the death of his infant son, a case that remained under investigation for months before prosecutors moved forward.

The suspect, identified by authorities as Domingo Herrera Espinoza, was booked into the Maricopa County jail after investigators said the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner classified the infant’s death as a homicide on Feb. 25, 2026. The child died on Sept. 3, 2025, several days after the initial emergency call, police said.

Timeline: from the initial 911 call to the homicide determination

Authorities said officers were first dispatched on Aug. 31, 2025, shortly before 9 p.m., to the area of 20th Avenue and Chipman Road in Phoenix, where they found the baby in critical condition. Homicide detectives responded to the home and interviewed family members, including Espinoza, who police said was watching the infant at the time.

After the child’s death on Sept. 3, 2025, investigators continued to work the case while awaiting medical-legal findings. The medical examiner’s homicide ruling, issued nearly six months later, prompted detectives to arrest Espinoza on Thursday, March 5, 2026, police said.

Charges and custody status

Espinoza was booked on one count of first-degree murder and one count of felony child abuse, police said. Jail records reviewed by phoenix.news show he was being held on a $1 million bond. The records also list several probation-violation bookings.

Authorities have not released specific details about what injuries the infant sustained, how they were discovered, or whether any additional witnesses or evidence contributed to the charging decision. No court documents detailing probable cause were made public in the initial announcement.

What is known, and what remains undisclosed

• Known dates: officers responded on Aug. 31, 2025; the infant died on Sept. 3, 2025; the death was ruled a homicide on Feb. 25, 2026; the arrest followed on March 5, 2026.

• Publicly undisclosed: the manner and mechanism of injury; whether there were prior calls for service; and whether additional suspects are being investigated.

• Next procedural steps: an initial court appearance is expected in Maricopa County Superior Court, where charges are formally presented and release conditions can be reviewed.

A criminal charge is an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

The investigation remains active, and authorities have indicated additional information may be released as the case proceeds through the court system.