Media Release - Child Abuse Arrest

The Mesa Police Department is currently investigating the death of a 1-1/2-year-old female.

At approximately 1:30 am, officers responded to the 2100 block of W Broadway for a report of a child not breathing. When they arrived, a young female was found unresponsive in the apartment. Mesa Fire and Medical arrived and transported the child to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. During the officer's initial contact with the deceased child, there were clear and obvious signs of trauma. It was reported that the child and her 4-year-old brother were at home, in the care of their step-father, when the injury occurred. The mother was away from home for the evening.

When officers arrived, the child's mother, step-father and 4-year-old brother were at the residence. Based on the death and suspicious nature of the injuries, the step-father, Andrew Isaacs (27), was detained for further questioning. Isaacs stated the children were playing and the young female fell and hit her head causing the injury. At one point during the interview, he admitted to "rough housing" with the deceased child.

After the initial investigation and interview, Isaacs was placed under arrest for 1 count of Child Abuse ARS13-3623.A1 for causing injuries to the child. The investigation is on-going pending final results from the Maricopa County Medical Examiners Office.