Salt Lake City, Utah – A young father is facing charges of murder after allegedly harming his 3-month-old daughter, who tragically passed away. Israel Levi Gonzalez Gomez, 21, has been charged with first-degree felony murder, child abuse with injury, and child abuse homicide in connection with the death of his daughter, Dariana Gonzalez-Samano. The baby’s mother, Andrea Samano Galeana, 20, is also facing charges of obstructing justice in this heartbreaking case, according to online jail records.
The incident came to light when the baby was taken to a local hospital in serious condition. Dariana suffered from three cardiac arrests before being transported to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. Medical examinations revealed that the baby had retinal hemorrhages, a traumatic cataract, and brain bleeding. The father reportedly shared with detectives that the baby had cried excessively during the first few weeks of her life. Feeling desperate to calm her down, he tried various methods but was unsuccessful.
On the night of the alleged incident, Gomez admitted to lightly spanking Dariana as suggested by his sister. Despite their efforts to soothe the baby, she continued to cry. Gomez recounted bouncing her to sleep before she suddenly went limp and pale. Rushing her to the hospital, he later revealed that she had fallen off the bed while he was changing her, leading to her tragic demise.
Galeana, the mother, expressed concerns to Gomez regarding his rough handling of the baby. She mentioned previous instances where the baby had been injured, including a black eye in January and a torn piece of tissue under her upper lip. As the investigation continues, both parents remain in custody at the Salt Lake County Jail. It is unclear at this time if they have legal representation to speak on their behalf.
In the midst of this tragedy, the family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the funeral costs for little Dariana. As the community mourns her loss, the district attorney offered his condolences and stressed the importance of protecting children from harm. He urged anyone who suspects child abuse to report it to the authorities promptly, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.