A father, Arnold Barney, has been indicted for the death of his 6-week-old son.
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, on July 28, the baby’s mother left her Mesa apartment to go to the grocery store with her family, leaving the baby boy home alone with Barney. When they returned home, the baby was not breathing and was taken to the hospital. Doctors discovered the baby’s face was bruised and swollen, and there was bleeding in the brain.
Barney told detectives multiple stories before admitting to striking the baby several times because he would not stop crying. He said he then wrapped the baby in a blanket on the bed, propped up a bottle for him, and resumed watching tv in the next room as the child continued to cry.
Barney is charged with one count of First-Degree Murder, a Class One Felony; and one count of Child Abuse, a Class Two Felony.
He is being held on a $1,000,000 secured bond. To be released, Barney typically must pay an amount equal to 10% of the full bond.
Barney’s is currently set for April 2026.