Kennett Township, PA — A 30-year-old man from West Grove was taken into custody and is facing murder charges after the death of a 21-month-old boy in Kennett Township, authorities reported. The suspect, identified as Enrique Lopez-Gomez, is alleged to have fatally injured the toddler on Monday.
Chester County District Attorney, Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe, detailed in a press briefing that the investigation is ongoing, but initial findings suggest the child sustained severe abdominal injuries inflicted by Lopez-Gomez. The event purportedly transpired at a residence in West Grove, after which the child was moved to another home in Kennett Township where emergency services were later called.
“The suspect is believed to have struck the young boy in the abdomen, resulting in critical injuries. Tragically, the suspect failed to seek immediate medical attention for the child,” de Barrena-Sarobe stated.
By the time first responders arrived, the boy no longer had a pulse. De Barrena-Sarobe underscored the delay in seeking medical help, suggesting that several hours had passed before the authorities were alerted to the boy’s plight.
Lopez-Gomez now faces charges of murder among other related offenses and is currently held on a $10 million bail.
The case has raised questions about the timeline of events leading up to the emergency call and whether other individuals might be implicated in the incident. “We are considering all aspects of this tragic event. At this stage, Mr. Lopez-Gomez is the only person charged, but we are continuing to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident,” de Barrena-Sarobe added.
As the local community grapples with the shock of the young child’s death, the investigation seeks to uncover how such an event came to pass without earlier intervention. Legal experts comment that the case could potentially broaden to include charges against additional individuals, depending on the outcomes of ongoing inquiries.
This distressing incident has underscored the importance of vigilance and prompt medical care in cases of child injuries, which often prove critical in preventing fatalities. As the community awaits further details, the emphasis remains on ensuring justice for the young victim.
The legal proceedings against Lopez-Gomez are expected to unfold over the coming months, providing a clearer picture of the events leading to the young child’s tragic death.