Phoenix man accused of killing adult daughter through negligence

PHOENIX — Phoenix police have arrested a man accused of killing his 21-year-old daughter through negligence in 2018.

Phoenix Police Sgt. Vince Lewis told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday that police responded to a call last year to the hospital where Vanessa Comer died on July 7.

He said the woman was brought to the hospital by her father, 46-year-old Richard Comer, in a severe state of dehydration and malnutrition.

During the investigation, the county medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, leading to the victim’s father’s arrest.

“She was diagnosed with a serious medical condition that she was living with and she was in complete dependence of her father for all basic needs,” Lewis said.

“Investigators determined that for as many as three months, Comer failed to provide any of this care to his daughter until finally delivering her to the hospital after finding her unresponsive at their home.”

Comer was arrested on Friday and charged with one count each of second-degree murder and vulnerable adult abuse.

Two counts of animal abuse were also recommended due to investigators finding dehydrated and malnourished dogs in the family’s home in north Phoenix.

“There is help and services available to people who find themselves in the care of another human being and are unable to provide that care. You need only ask,” Lewis said.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ashley Flood contributed to this report. 

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