Police say a domestic dispute led to the horrific death of a 7-month-old baby girl in Ontario, California.
The mother of the baby is in police custody after she reportedly struck her boyfriend with a vehicle as he held their little girl, injuring the father and killing the infant.
According to an Ontario Police Department press release, 19-year-old Sarah Gomez was arrested and is being charged with “DUI: alcohol/drugs causing great bodily injury or death, vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and child cruelty producing great bodily injury or death.”
Investigators reportedly believe the child’s mother and 21-year-old father had previously been drinking alcohol at a family party just a few blocks from their home.
Authorities said an argument ensued, and Gomez then drove the family to the driveway of their residence, located in the 500 block of West D Street, before striking the father and infant with the vehicle.
Press release and updated booking charges in baby's death investigation. pic.twitter.com/3iXsUPyydJ
— Ontario Police Dept. (@OntarioPD) May 29, 2018
“I believe, at this time, that the father and the child were either at the side of the car or at the back of the car, I’m not sure. It did happen near the apron of the driveway and getting into the street area,” Ontario PD Sgt. Jeff Higbee stated, according to ABC 7.
After the boyfriend and baby were struck, all three were taken to a hospital by a family member, where the 7-month-old was pronounced dead.
Neighbors of the family expressed shock to ABC 7, saying the couple appeared to be “attentive” parents, emphasizing that the father was “very good” with the baby girl.
“He is a very good father, yeah. I saw when they came, he was always carrying the baby. This is really, really sad,” Sandra Rodriguez told the news station.
Detectives are investigating what led up to Sarah Gomez (19) of Ontario, running over her 21-year-old boyfriend and 7-month-old daughter. The baby died from her injuries. Gomez has been arrested for murder and attempted murder.
— Ontario Police Dept. (@OntarioPD) May 29, 2018
Detectives subsequently interviewed Gomez, arrested her at the hospital, and impounded the vehicle she was driving. She was initially arrested for “murder and attempted murder.”
She is being held at the West Valley Detention Center with bail set at $100,000.
At this time authorities have not determined if Gomez intended to seriously injure or kill her boyfriend or daughter.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jeff Wright at 909-395-2878 or 909-986-6711. Tips may also be reported anonymously by calling WE-TIP at 800-78-CRIME or online at wetip.com.
[Feature photo: Ontario Police Department]
