Phoenix police detectives are investigating the homicide of a young girl found in a dumpster. The mother, Sophia Simmons, is in custody after investigators received a tip that helped link the child to her.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, on December 24, 2023, around 8 p.m., Phoenix police officers responded to the area of 31st Avenue and Thomas Road regarding a body that was found in a dumpster by a business. When officers arrived, they found the remains of a young female.
On December 25, detectives received a tip stating the 38-year-old Simmons had disposed the body of her daughter in a dumpster. The tipster was told the young child possibly died from injuries stemming from an assault by Simmons.
Detectives located Simmons’ residence in Phoenix and after securing a warrant they found evidence of someone attempting to clean a crime scene. Simmons’ was not home at the time but detectives quickly learned she was on the I-10 heading back to Arizona. She was located and detained by detectives in Tonopah, Arizona.
Simmons’ was later booked on multiple felony charges which include First Degree Murder, Child Abuse, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
The investigation remains active as detectives await the findings from the Medical Examiner’s Office.