Father arrested in death of 2-month-old daughter, Turlock police say
A Turlock father was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of killing his two-month old daughter.
Joseph Alexander Rendon, 23, brought his daughter to Emanuel Medical Center on Wednesday after she inexplicably stopped breathing at his Turlock home, according to a press release from Turlock Police.
Lifesaving measures were performed at the hospital but the infant could not be revived.
Hospital staff notified Turlock Police and detectives attended an autopsy for the baby on Thursday.
“This examination revealed the infant sustained serious injuries which pointed to severe child abuse,” according to the release.
Within hours, detectives wrote and served search warrants for Rendon’s vehicle and residence near Donnelly Park. Rendon voluntarily went to the Turlock Police Department and was arrested following an interview.
He was arrested on suspicion of murder and child abuse and is being held without bail.
Rendon has not yet been formally charged and likely won’t be until Monday.
Rendon had a DUI conviction last year, according to court records, but does not appear to have any other criminal history in Stanislaus County. He was supposed to surrender last month to serve a 7-day jail sentence for the DUI but it is unclear whether he did that.
Turlock spokeswoman Mike Parmley declined to release further details about the investigation like whether Rendon was alone with the child when she was injured and the type of injuries she sustained.
Chief Jason Hedden said in a press release, “This is devastating and difficult to understand why this happened. Our thoughts and prayers are with child’s family during this difficult time. These cases have an emotional impact on our officers and everyone involved in these types of investigations. We can only pray that the arrest of Joseph Rendon brings some sense of healing to the family and community.”
The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information about this investigation call Detective Brandon Bertram at 209-664-7323. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
This story was originally published April 15, 2022 at 10:02 AM.
