A Turlock father has been arrested on allegations he physically abused his two-month-old daughter, resulting in her death, the Turlock Police Department reported.
The suspect, Joseph Anthony Rendon, 23, of Turlock was arrested on suspicion of homicide and child abuse.
The name of the infant was not released.
Rendon brought his two-month-old daughter to Emanuel Medical Center around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday after she stopped breathing at his home.
"Although lifesaving measures were performed at the hospital, the infant was not able to be revived and was pronounced deceased," said Turlock Police spokesperson Sgt. Michael Parmley.
Hospital staff suspected to infant may have suffered abuse and contacted the police department. Initially, neither hospital staff or detectives could explain the infant's death. Detectives attended the autopsy on Thursday at the Stanislaus County Coroner's Office.
"This examination revealed the infant sustained serious injuries which pointed to severe child abuse," Parmley said.
Turlock Police detectives obtained search warrants for Rendon's residence and vehicle within hours of the autopsy results.
Rendon voluntarily came to the police department for an interview. After the interview, Rendon was arrested and booked at the Stanislaus County Jail on murder and child abuse charges. Rendon previously pled to a misdemeanor drunk driving offense and was sentenced to probation, according to Stanislaus County Superior Court records.
"This is devastating and difficult to understand why this happened," said Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with child’s family during this difficult time. These cases have an emotional impact on our officers and everyone involved in these types of investigations. We can only pray that the arrest of Joseph Rendon brings some sense of healing to the family and community.”
The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information about this investigation toc all Detective Brandon Bertram at (209) 664-7323. People can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling CrimeStoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.
