Metro Father Accused Of Causing Fatal Injuries To 10-Month-Old Son

Oklahoma City Police are investigating the recent death of a 10-month-old baby.

Thursday, July 18th 2024, 5:18 pm

By: News 9, Jennifer Pierce


Oklahoma City Police are investigating the recent, tragic death of a 10-month-old baby.

The baby's father was arrested on Thursday for allegedly causing the fatal injuries to his child two days prior. Police said Ethan Lopez-Monterroso’s injuries were consistent with homicide.

The investigation started at the family's northwest Oklahoma City apartment Monday night after the baby's mother called 911. 

“The child had been reported unresponsive in the 911 call,” said Msgt. Gary Knight, Oklahoma City Police Department.

Police said the baby was left in the care of this father 22-year-old Marnin Lopez-Tello.

“That’s apparently when the injuries had taken place,” said Knight.

Police said the baby died on Monday at the hospital. Medical staff and the medical examiner concluded the child died from injuries caused by abuse.

“This is absolutely a horrifying situation,” said Shelby Lynch, The Care Center Director of Education. “This is the worst-case scenario for this family and folks that know this family, as well.”

Shelby Lynch the Director of Education at The Care Center near downtown Oklahoma City did not know the circumstances that led the baby's death but wants struggling parents and caregivers to know it is OK to ask for help. 

“Whether that’s admitting you’re feeling overwhelmed, that you’re feeling angry, and that you’re having really scary thoughts,” said Lynch.

Lynch also suggested that stressed parents give themselves a time-out.

“It is perfectly acceptable to set that child down somewhere safe and take a minute to gather yourself,” said Lynch.

Police said there was another child in the home. No word if that child had injuries or was unharmed.

The accused father is in custody at the Oklahoma County Detention Center on a complaint of first-degree murder by child abuse. His bond is set at $10 million.

Jennifer Pierce

Jennifer Pierce is an Emmy-award-winning reporter for News 9 and has been on staff since 2017. While most days, she covers crime in the metro and court cases, she enjoys telling the stories of Native Americans in Oklahoma. Jennifer is a proud member of the Choctaw Nation. She takes pride in the success her tribe and the many other tribes in Oklahoma have gained in recent years.

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