Israel Gomez: Utah man charged with murder of 3-month-old daughter after he tried to calm her by spanking

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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH: A Utah father is facing charges of murder after attempting to calm his crying baby daughter through spanking, according to authorities.

Israel Levi Gonzalez Gomez, 21, has been accused of first-degree felony murder, child abuse with injury, and child abuse homicide in connection with the tragic death of his 3-month-old daughter, Dariana Gonzalez-Samano, on February 22, as per jail records. 

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill revealed that the baby's mother, Andrea Samano Galeana, 20, faces charges of second-degree felony obstructing justice in relation to the incident.

Timeline of Dariana Gonzalez-Samano's tragic death

The harrowing ordeal unfolded on February 19 when the infant was rushed to a local hospital in a grave condition. Dariana endured three cardiac arrests before being transferred to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, where she succumbed to her injuries.

A subsequent CT scan revealed grave injuries suffered by the baby, including retinal hemorrhages, a traumatic cataract, and brain bleeding. Gomez purportedly confessed to a detective that Dariana had cried “excessively for the first few weeks of her life,” prompting him to feel "desperate for a way to calm” her, People reported.

On the night in question, Gomez and Galeana bathed the baby and put her to bed, but she continued to cry persistently despite their efforts. The father “stated that he lightly spanked Dariana as his sister had recommended.”

Gomez described how he was bouncing Dariana when she drifted off to sleep just as the baby’s mother entered the room. “At this point, Dariana went limp and pale,” prompting both the father and the baby’s mother to swiftly rush her to the hospital.

Father's account of events contradicts initial narrative

In a twist during a subsequent interview, Gomez informed that Dariana had fallen off the bed while he was changing her, resulting in her face becoming red and swollen. Later, as he attempted to put her in her crib, she became limp, with her heart ceasing to beat. 

During CPR attempts, blood was observed emanating from her nose, as indicated in the documents.

According to statements made in the documents, the infant's mother, Galeana, informed detectives that she had asked Gomez to “stop grabbing my baby so roughly."

She recounted sending a text message to Gomez, expressing concern that the baby appeared to have been struck. Allegedly, the father responded by stating, “If I would have hit her, trust me, she would not stop bleeding." 

The baby's mother allegedly failed to disclose previous injuries sustained by Dariana, including a black eye in January and a torn piece of tissue under her upper lip, according to court documents.

Aftermath of Dariana Gonzalez-Samano's death

As the investigation unfolds, the grieving family seeks solace and support. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to aid in funeral expenses, with Dariana's grandmother, identified only as Elizabeth, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of the infant. 

“In such a short time she gave us so many moments of joy and beautiful memories," stated the fundraiser. “We are asking for your help to give her a proper burial as this was so sudden and only my daughter and I are able to take care of all the arrangements at the moment. Any help given is greatly appreciated and received with so much gratitude. Thank you and God bless you,” the GoFundMe page read

In the wake of this tragedy, District Attorney Sim Gill extended condolences to Dariana's family while stressing the importance of safeguarding children's welfare. “We mourn the death of Dariana, whose life had just begun,” said Gill. 

“It is critical that we vigilantly look out for the welfare of our community’s children. If you see signs that may indicate harm being done to a child, please report your concerns to law enforcement so they can be investigated and the child may get the help they deserve,” he added.

Both Gomez and Galeana are currently held at the Salt Lake County Jail, with their legal representation status remaining undisclosed.