Suspect found dead in aftermath of hostage situation, house fire in Surprise: PD
SURPRISE, Ariz. - A suspect accused of shooting a baby multiple times is believed to be dead after he barricaded himself inside a home that erupted in flames in a neighborhood in Surprise.
He was identified as 51-year-old Todd Christopher Marchetti believed to be the father of the baby shot.
Officials said they discovered the remains of Marchetti with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound when they were able to enter the home.
The home caught fire just after 3:00 p.m. on May 17.
Surprise Police Sergeant Rick Hernandez said one shot was fired by officers at the suspect before the fire began.
Police believe the suspect was barricaded inside the home at the time it erupted in flames.
When officers got to the scene around 11 a.m. near Cactus Road and Cotton Lane, they heard gunfire coming from inside the home. The officers forced entry into the home and found an infant with multiple gunshot wounds to the lower extremities.
Officers got the baby out of the home, according to Hernandez. The baby is expected to survive after being shot four times, according to officers.
A woman reported to authorities that she was being held hostage by a suspect at the location, which is how the incident began.
Hernandez said she was able to get out of the house around 11:30 a.m., though it was unclear how.
She urged construction workers nearby to call 911 to report the emergency.
Police said a domestic violence related investigation involving Marchetti and woman who lived there was opened two weeks ago.
Police said the suspect did not reside at the home in Surprise.
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A GoFundMe page was set up for the family of the baby.
Map of the incident:
This is a developing story. Stay with us for updates.
