In a chilling case that has come to a close, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell confirmed the sentencing of Carlos Tercero Cruz for the horrific abuse and subsequent death of his three-year-old daughter. As reported by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Cruz has been sentenced to natural life plus 57 years in prison.
The case dates back to May 23, 2015, when emergency responders from the El Mirage Fire Department were summoned to a residence in Surprise due to reports of a nonresponsive toddler. Upon arrival, they discovered the young girl in a state most unnatural: cold, pale, and not breathing. Despite the efforts of hospital staff, revival was beyond reach. The staff reported to police that the victim’s blood sugar levels were at the lowest measurable point, and she weighed a mere 16 pounds.
Autopsy findings by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner painted a dire picture, indicating that death was due to blunt force trauma, starvation, dehydration, and meth toxicity. The investigation further revealed ligature marks on the child’s ankles and bones so weak they were nearly translucent, clear indicators of prolonged malnutrition…