The father of a baby girl who died last week after being found with serious and suspicious injuries in a University City rowhouse was behind bars Monday on suspicion of killing her, authorities said.
Jaime Javier Santillanes, 37, was arrested on Wednesday, the day after the death of his 7-week-old daughter, according to the San Diego Police Department.
Patrol officers responding to a report of a non-breathing infant found the affected girl with her parents in a townhome in the 3700 block of La Jolla Village Drive shortly after 10 p.m. on March 18. Paramedics took the girl to Rady Children’s Hospitalwhere he died three days later.
“During the preliminary investigation, it was determined that the infant had sustained severe traumatic internal injuries indicative of child physical abuse,” SDPD Lt. Steve Shebloski said.
The child’s name has been withheld pending completion of family notifications.
“Over the past few days, San Diego Police detectives have interviewed witnesses, collected evidence and worked closely with medical personnel who have specialized training in child abuse-related injuries to determine exactly what occurred,” Shebloski said Monday. in the afternoon. “At this time, detectives have learned that this incident appears to be a tragic…incident in which the baby’s father inflicted fatal injuries on his daughter.”
Santillanes pleaded not guilty Monday afternoon to charges of murder and assault on a child resulting in death. He San Diego County District Attorney’s Office says he faces up to 25 years to life in state prison if convicted.
Santillanes is in custody without bond, but is due back in court next month for a hearing on the status of his bond.
Updated 5:12 pm March 27, 2023
The City News Service contributed to this article.
