5-year-old girl found dead at east side home, father in custody

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — An Indianapolis man is behind bars after his daughter was found dead inside a home on Indy’s east side Monday morning.

Online police reports show IMPD officers were originally dispatched to a home in the 200 block of North Lasalle Street just north of Washington Street around 11 a.m. after a 911 caller had reported their 5-year-old child fell down a set of stairs and was unresponsive.

Police arrived and found 5-year-old Zara Arnold suffering trauma injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Child abuse detectives responded to assist. Her father, Zachary Arnold, 41, spoke with detectives and was later arrested and could face charges of murder and neglect of a dependent resulting in death.

The Marion County prosecutor was expected to make final charging decisions.

Zachary Arnold’s initial court hearing has not been set.

IMPD Chief Chris Bailey on Tuesday morning took to social media and expressed his thanks to the detectives involved.

“I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of 5-year-old Zara. No child should suffer such harm, especially in a place that should be safe: their home,” he said.

Anyone with information on this incident was asked to contact Det. Jamie Davis in the IMPD Child Abuse Office at 317-327-6875 or by email at Jamie.davis@indy.gov.

This is a breaking story and will be updated with further information once available.

Help is available for victims of domestic violence. Below is a list of suggested resources on the Domestic Violence Network website:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788
• National Domestic Violence Hotline en español: 800-799-7233 o texto “START” al 88788
• Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 24-hour hotline available at 800-332-7385
• Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking
• La Plaza Indy
• The Julian Center
• Indiana Child Abuse Hotline: 800-800-5556
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673

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