Salt Lake City, Utah – A tragic case has unfolded as a young father faces murder charges after his three-month-old baby girl died under suspicious circumstances. Israel Levi Gonzalez Gomez, 21, is accused of first-degree felony murder, child abuse with injury, and child abuse homicide in connection with the death of his daughter, Dariana Gonzalez-Samano, on February 22nd. The baby’s mother, Andrea Samano Galeana, 20, is also facing charges in the case.
The heartbreaking incident came to light when Dariana was rushed to a local hospital in serious condition on February 19th. She suffered multiple cardiac arrests before being transferred to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, where she tragically passed away. Doctors discovered that Dariana had retinal hemorrhages, a traumatic cataract, and brain bleeding, indicating serious trauma.
According to court documents, Gomez initially claimed that the baby fell off the bed, but later admitted to feeling desperate when she wouldn’t stop crying. He confessed to lightly spanking her, following his sister’s advice, in an attempt to calm her down. The father described how Dariana became limp and pale after an incident where she fell asleep, leading to a panicked rush to the hospital.
As the investigation unfolded, troubling details emerged about previous injuries the baby had sustained, including a black eye in January and a torn piece of tissue under her upper lip. Gomez and Galeana are currently in custody at Salt Lake County Jail, with the legal proceedings ongoing as authorities delve deeper into the case.
The family of the deceased baby is mourning the loss, with a GoFundMe page set up to help cover funeral expenses. Dariana’s grandmother expressed gratitude for any support received during this difficult time, highlighting the sudden tragedy that has left only her and her daughter to handle the arrangements. Meanwhile, the district attorney extended condolences for Dariana’s untimely death and emphasized the importance of safeguarding the welfare of all children in the community.
In times of suspected child abuse, individuals are encouraged to report any concerns to the appropriate authorities for investigation. The toll-free Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is available 24/7 for assistance in multiple languages, underscoring the need for vigilance and support in protecting vulnerable children.