Sophia Simmons: Phoenix mother beats 'school-aged' daughter to death, tosses body in dumpster
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
ARIZONA, PHOENIX: A woman, identified as 38-year-old Sophia Simmons, is in jail, facing a murder charge following the discovery of her young daughter's lifeless body in a dumpster behind a business in Phoenix on Christmas Eve.
Reports indicate that the woman fatally beat her child and placed her body inside a plastic tote. As the investigation progresses, additional details regarding the nature of the injuries inflicted on the young child have been revealed.
Lifeless body of 'school aged' child found in dumpster
According to the Phoenix Police Department, an officer discovered the lifeless body of a school-aged girl at 8 pm on Sunday, December 24, in the vicinity of 31st Avenue and Thomas Road.
A day later, on December 25 the police received a call from a tipster who identified Sophie Simmons as the mother responsible for inflicting fatal injuries on the young girl and placing her body in the dumpster.
As reported by Law&Crime, court documents obtained by a Phoenix CBS affiliate provide additional details about the charges against Simmons and also detailed the injuries found in the body.
Investigators from the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner removed the body of a child, believed to be between the ages of 5 and 7, from the dumpster.
Notably, the victim exhibited various injuries to her torso, arms, and legs in different stages of healing, indicating ongoing physical abuse.
Additionally the report from Phoenix Police Department claimed, "Simmons was later booked on multiple felony charges which include First Degree Murder, Child Abuse, and Tampering with Physical Evidence."
Tipster reveals conversation with Sophia Simmons
The tipster disclosed a conversation with Simmons, alleging that Simmons admitted to beating the victim when it escalated too far.
Simmons reportedly claimed that upon returning home, she found her daughter unresponsive and not breathing.
Despite attempting CPR unsuccessfully, Simmons allegedly left her daughter's body in the house for about five days before disposing of it in the dumpster.
Police obtained a search warrant for Simmons' home, discovering evidence suggesting an attempt to clean up a crime scene.
This included an outdoor garden hose snaked through the front door, standing water in multiple indoor areas, and a couch without cushions. A warrant for Simmons' cellphone data revealed her presence in the dumpster area on the early morning of December 24.
She was apprehended while driving toward California, and during her initial court appearance, prosecutors noted Simmons' prior conviction on one count of malicious punishment of a child in Minnesota. Simmons is currently held without bond as per Law&Crime.
