WEST CHESTER, PA — Authorities arrested Enrique Lopez Gomez, 30, of West Grove, Pennsylvania, on June 27, 2024, in connection with the death of a 21-month-old child. The Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced the charges, which include Murder of the Third Degree and Involuntary Manslaughter. Magisterial District Judge Matthew Seavey set bail at $10,000,000 cash.
District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe described the case as deeply troubling. “This Defendant brutally injured a toddler under his care, failed to get the child medical care, and caused his death,” he said. “It’s difficult to fathom how someone could do this.”
The incident began on June 24, 2024, when a 911 call was made at approximately 10:58 p.m. regarding an unresponsive child in the 600 block of Cope Road, Kennett Township. Emergency Medical Services arrived to find the child’s mother carrying the victim, who was wrapped in a blanket and had white foam coming from his nose and mouth. The child was pulseless and exhibited bruising on his body.
The child was transported to Nemours/A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at 12:16 a.m. on June 25. An autopsy by the Delaware Office of the Medical Examiner determined that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the abdomen.
A joint investigation involving the Chester County Detectives, Kennett Township Police Department, and the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department concluded that Lopez Gomez allegedly inflicted the injuries that led to the toddler’s death.
Chief Joseph Greenwalt of the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department praised the collaborative efforts. “Due to incredible teamwork, we made an arrest in this case,” he said. “I want to thank the Chester County Detectives and Kennett Township Police Department for their partnership. Together, we were able to get a semblance of justice for this child.”
Chief Matthew Gordon of the Kennett Township Police Department echoed these sentiments. “This tragic murder could not have been solved without the work of everyone involved,” he said. “I’m proud of the quick response by our patrol officers and the teamwork by all the detectives.”
The investigation continues as authorities gather more details. Assistant District Attorneys Zachary Yurick and Madeline Troutman will prosecute the case.
Authorities urge anyone with concerns about a child’s safety to call 911 immediately or contact Childline at 1-800-932-0313.
As always, all charged individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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