Scottsdale police have arrested two parents after their 1-year-old son was found dead, having been left unchecked for more than 16 hours. The couple, identified as 25-year-olds Shaniah Darlene Harris and Braydon Jesus Pena, are facing charges of child abuse and negligence, according to court records.
The ordeal began when Harris called 911 on March 24 to report that her son was not breathing. Pena, during the emergency call, asserted he would not be attempting life-saving measures on their child, according to documents obtained by 12 News. Police arrived to discover the baby deceased in a playpen, his body showing clear signs of postmortem changes such as stiffness and discoloration.
The parents have reportedly informed investigators that they had put the baby to bed sometime between the late hours of March 23 and the early morning of March 24, and did not check on him until the evening of the following day. Officers have indicated that the apartment was unsanitary and chaotic, and it was evident that the child had not been bathed for some time.
During the investigation, Pena disclosed to the police his history of drug use, but did not confirm recent usage, as stated by Arizona's Family. The boy also showed signs of physical distress, including scabbing on his face and leg. The parents admitted they failed to utilize any form of baby monitor to watch over their child.
Further insight into the case revealed that Pena left the home on the morning after the boy was last seen to purchase breakfast, and upon his return, both parents proceeded to sleep again until evening. It was at this time they discovered the child unresponsive and made the call for emergency assistance. In addition, the Department of Child Safety had previous interactions with the couple, raising questions about the timeline of external oversight and the tragedy that unfolded.
Harris, during her interaction with law enforcement officials, insisted to Pena to refrain from conversing with them without a lawyer present. She also mentioned that their son had been diagnosed with "hydrocephalus," a neurological condition caused by an abnormal build-up of fluid in the brain, Arizona's Family reports. The couple were taken into custody later that night.
