Father arrested by Mesa police in connection with infant’s death

PHOENIX — A Mesa father has been arrested in connection with the death of his infant child, authorities announced Tuesday.

Mesa police officers were called to an apartment complex near Alma School Road and Southern Avenue at about 8:30 p.m. on Monday due to a report of an infant who wasn’t breathing.

Officers were able to locate the child, who was taken to a nearby hospital. The child died on Tuesday morning.

The child’s father, 19-year-old Arnold Barney, was later taken into custody.

Why was father arrested for infant’s death?

Police said medical staff noticed bruises on the child, who also suffered internal injuries.

Detectives learned that the injuries were caused by Barney when he was unable to calm the crying baby down.

Barney is facing charges of first-degree murder and child abuse.

No other details were released.

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