Pembroke Pines man accused of murdering his 2-year-old daughter – NBC 6 South Florida

A father arrested for killing his 2-year-old daughter in a Pembroke Pines home faces first-degree murder charges.

33-year-old Jeronimo A. Duran is also accused of aggravated child abuse in connection with the killing of the toddler.

Pembroke Pines police discussed the case at a press conference Wednesday, a day after the killing of Melody Alana Rose Duran.

“It is a very tragic incident and our deepest condolences go out to the victim’s family. Right now our only focus is to get justice for her family,” said Sergeant Jason Palant.

Palant said the incident began Tuesday morning when police and firefighters were called to a home in the 400 block of Southwest 177th Avenue after receiving reports that the 2-year-old was not breathing.

First responders began life-saving measures while the child was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Palant said the toddler had a cut on her neck and a knife was found that investigators believe was used in the incident, but the official cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.

Duran and the child’s mother had a parenting plan that allowed them to spend time together, and Duran picked up the girl in the morning and took her to the home, Palant said.

Palant said investigators believe Duran’s grandmother came home during the incident and called police.

“Based on the information we have so far, she arrived at the residence, saw the suspect lying on top of the two-year-old child and noticed that the child did not appear to be breathing. At that point, she called 911,” Palant said.

Duran was taken into custody at home.

“He was interviewed by detectives, he spoke with detectives and his statement helped establish probable cause for his arrest. However, we do not have a motive at this time,” Palant said.

Duran was taken to jail where he was held without bail.

Court documents show that Duran was involved in a custody battle with the mother of his child and admitted to having mental health issues.

Last year, the mother responded to a custody petition filed by Duran, stating that “the father suffers from mental illness, including paranoia and anger issues (punching against walls). He also suffers from anxiety disorders and has been convicted at least five times under the Baker Act.”

The file further stated that Duran’s behavior was “erratic, aggressive, violent and dangerous to the mother and the minor child.”

It was also said that Duran had “suicidal thoughts” and stopped taking his medication.

In another document, Duran admitted that he had mental health problems.

Palant said investigators have spoken to the toddler’s mother and are looking into Duran’s history.