Father says ex-girlfriend ‘drove him’ to kill 5-year-old daughter, sent her ‘foaming at the mouth’ photo after choking her, police say

An Indiana begetter who called 911 and told them his daughter was lifeless “after falling down the stairs” is present charged with execution aft cops discovered helium allegedly abused and choked the 5-year-old during a combat with his ex-girlfriend, claiming, “She drove him to bash this,” according to tribunal documents.

Zachary Arnold, 41, is accused of sidesplitting his girl Zara Arnold wrong his eastbound Indianapolis location connected Monday morning. Authorities accidental they went to the residence astatine astir 11 a.m. and pronounced Zara dormant astatine the country aft being contacted by Arnold. Signs of trauma were allegedly observed connected the girl’s body, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

“I americium heartbroken by the tragic nonaccomplishment of 5-year-old Zara,” wrote IMPD Chief Chris Bailey successful an X post connected Tuesday. “No kid should endure specified harm, particularly successful a spot that should beryllium safe: their home.”

Love existent crime? Sign up for our newsletter, The Law&Crime Docket, to get the latest real-life transgression stories delivered close to your inbox.

Court documents obtained by section CW affiliate WISH and the NBC affiliate WTHR item however Arnold was allegedly arguing with his ex-girlfriend, who spoke to constabulary astir everything, successful the days starring up to Zara’s death. He allegedly lashed retired astatine Zara implicit it, the documents say, and told his ex the miss wasn’t pursuing his rules.

“He was going to termination her, but past stated ‘hurt’ her,” the ex told constabulary astir Arnold’s alleged actions and feelings toward his daughter.

When constabulary spoke with Arnold, helium allegedly admitted that Zara didn’t autumn down the stairs, WTHR reported. He allegedly said that aft choking her, Zara asked him wherefore helium wounded her and said she loved him. Arnold allegedly admitted it was incorrect of him not to cheque connected her earlier going to furniture aft the incident, adding that helium didn’t due to the fact that helium was excessively aggravated astatine his ex.

“After helium stopped choking her the past clip that night, Zara told him she was bushed and climbed into bed,” Arnold allegedly told investigators.

On Monday morning, Arnold sent substance messages to the ex with photos of Zara “foaming astatine the mouth,” according to police, on with alleged statements astir sidesplitting her. Zara’s grandma spoke to investigators and said Arnold was known to bash drugs astir the kid and withhold nutrient from her. He would besides allegedly maltreatment and smack her with unfastened palms.

“I’m mad,” said the grandmother, O’Tonya Glasco, successful an interrogation with section Fox affiliate WXIN. “I’m precise disappointed, due to the fact that my granddaughter should beryllium here.”

Documents obtained by WTHR amusement aggregate reports being filed with the Indiana Department of Child Services successful transportation with Arnold’s alleged abuse. One accused him of consuming methamphetamine successful beforehand of her; different filed by the girl’s parent alleged that bruising and manus marks were recovered connected Zara’s back.

“This is simply a tragic situation,” a DCS spokesperson told WTHR. “We are besides reasoning of the archetypal responders and DCS squad members who initially arrived astatine the scene. As with immoderate kid fatality, we proceed to spouse with instrumentality enforcement.” ‘