MESA, Ariz. (TCN) — A 19-year-old father was recently indicted on suspicion of hitting his infant son, causing fatal injuries.
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, on July 28, the 6-week-old baby’s mother left her home to go grocery shopping with her family and left the infant alone with his father, Arnold Barney. The mother returned and reportedly noticed her son wasn’t breathing, and he was transported to a hospital.
Prosecutors said medical staff observed bruising and swelling on the baby’s face, and he suffered bleeding in the brain. According to KTVK/KPHO-TV, the baby died early on July 29.
Barney reportedly said he was napping on the couch while holding his son, and then he woke up to him crying. Barney allegedly said his son possibly rolled onto the floor while he was asleep. However, according to prosecutors, Barney eventually told officials he hit the baby multiple times “because he would not stop crying.” He allegedly then wrapped his son in a blanket on the bed, “propped up a bottle for him, and resumed watching TV in the next room as the child continued to cry.”
On Aug. 12, the attorney’s office announced that Barney was indicted on charges of murder and child abuse. He remains held on $1 million bond, and his trial is set for April 2026.
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