SURPRISE, Ariz. – Tragedy struck in Surprise, Arizona when a father suspected of shooting his 6-month-old son was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a standoff with SWAT and a subsequent house fire, according to local law enforcement. The baby, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds, is currently in critical but stable condition at a nearby hospital.
The distressing incident unfolded early Friday morning when police received an emergency call from a woman claiming she and her baby were being held captive by the child’s father since 3 a.m. The mother managed to escape with minor injuries and sought assistance from a nearby construction crew to contact 911.
Upon arriving at the suburban Phoenix home, officers heard gunshots originating from inside. They swiftly entered the residence and discovered the injured baby, but the father was nowhere to be found. The officers wasted no time in retrieving the child and making their way out.
The suspect, identified as 51-year-old Todd Christopher Marchetti, adamantly refused to surrender peacefully during the entire ordeal. Initially, authorities faced challenges in searching for him within the house due to fire damage.
Once it was safe for investigators to enter the premises, they discovered Marchetti’s body along with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The exact cause of death is pending the final report from the medical examiner.
Aerial footage captured the aftermath of the devastating house fire, as thick plumes of smoke billowed from the severely damaged structure. The Surprise Police Department has indicated that further information regarding the ongoing investigation will be shared during a news conference on Monday.
While the community grieves this tragic loss, authorities are diligently working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this disturbing event.