A 3-month-old girl died after authorities say her father attacked her inside their home in Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia — a community roughly 8 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., on March 27. Police responded to reports of an unresponsive infant at a residence in the 3400 block of Lake Street around 7:30 p.m.
Background
The Fairfax County Police Department launched an investigation after officers and emergency personnel determined the child wasn't breathing when they arrived. The girl was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. An autopsy conducted by Assistant Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Megan Kessler revealed blunt force trauma as the preliminary cause of death.
According to court testimony reported by regional CBS affiliate WUSA9, detectives and hospital staff observed evidence consistent with abuse while the infant was in the care of her father, Misael Lopez Gomez.
The Investigation
Lopez Gomez, 28, was arrested and booked into the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond following the incident. During an interview with investigators three days after police were called to the home, Lopez Gomez allegedly admitted to punching his daughter four times because he was angry with life and work, according to testimony.
The defendant reportedly told authorities that the baby became unresponsive after his second punch. After the attack, Lopez Gomez allegedly attempted to resuscitate his child and called his cousin and uncle into the room for help before police were summoned — a delay of approximately one hour.
Dr. Kessler testified that there were signs of previous injuries, including calluses on the infant's ribs indicating a prior fracture. The defense attorney argued the child was with a babysitter earlier that day and disputed that Lopez Gomez's alleged punches caused her death.
Key Takeaways
- The victim was a 3-month-old girl who died from blunt force trauma consistent with abuse according to autopsy findings
- Misael Lopez Gomez, 28, has been charged with second-degree murder and felony child abuse
- He allegedly admitted to punching his daughter four times because he was angry about life and work circumstances
- Authorities say the defendant waited approximately one hour before calling 911 after the infant became unresponsive
- The child's preliminary autopsy revealed signs of previous injuries, including healed rib fractures
What's Next
Lopez Gomez remains held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed a detainer on him following his arrest. Federal authorities say he admitted to illegally crossing the U.S. Southern Border near Albuquerque, New Mexico, in July 2023. A court date was scheduled for this week as proceedings continue.