Arizona police rescued a 6-month-old infant who had been shot multiple times after a suspect, identified as Todd Christopher Marchetti, took the child and the child’s mother hostage in their home in Surprise. The mother had moved back in with her parents to escape Marchetti’s alleged abuse, and he planned to torture her while her parents were out of town. Marchetti broke into the home and refused to let the mother and baby leave, bringing weapons and tools to harm them. The mother managed to escape and seek help from a nearby construction crew, who called 911.
When police officers arrived at the home, they heard gunfire from inside. One officer discharged a round at Marchetti, and other officers entered the home to rescue the infant, who had multiple gunshot wounds. The child was in critical but stable condition, while the mother had minor injuries. SWAT teams attempted to negotiate with Marchetti, who had barricaded himself in the home and refused to surrender. A fire broke out in the home, preventing firefighters from immediately extinguishing it due to the sounds of gunfire.
After the fire was put out and it was safe to enter the home, officers found Marchetti dead inside with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Police indicated that Marchetti’s cause of death is pending the results of a medical examiner’s report. The mother and child were both receiving medical treatment for their injuries. This incident highlighted the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of having a safety plan in place to protect oneself and one’s children from abusive situations. Authorities commended the mother for her resourcefulness and quick thinking in escaping and seeking help.
