Surprise, Arizona – Authorities responded to a harrowing scene in Surprise, Arizona, where a suspect accused of shooting a baby multiple times was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The suspect, later identified as 51-year-old Todd Christopher Marchetti, had barricaded himself inside a home that eventually erupted in flames. The tragic incident unfolded on May 17, shortly after 3:00 p.m.
According to Surprise Police Sergeant Rick Hernandez, officers fired a shot at the suspect before the fire broke out. It is believed that the suspect was barricaded inside the home when the fire started. Police responded to reports of gunfire coming from the residence near Cactus Road and Cotton Lane around 11 a.m. Upon entering the home, officers discovered a 6-month-old baby with multiple gunshot wounds.
The baby was quickly rescued and taken to surgery. The child had sustained injuries to the lower extremities from being shot multiple times. A woman who reported being held hostage by the suspect managed to escape the home around 11:30 a.m. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed by the police, was not a resident of the house in Surprise.
Authorities revealed that there had been a domestic violence investigation involving the man and woman residing in the home two weeks prior. As the investigation continues, the public has been advised to avoid the area of the incident. This remains a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.