Infant death in Walla Walla investigated as homicide
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, August 27th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla Police Department arrested Ramiro Corona Ibarra, 31, of Walla Walla on Thursday, August 15 after he allegedly physically assaulted his infant child. On Tuesday, August 27, detectives were notified that the infant succumbed to their injuries and passed away. WWPD has begun a homicide investigation.
On August 15, both the Walla Walla Police Department and Walla Walla Fire Department were dispatched to an address on the west city of the city for a baby not breathing. Emergency personnel arrived and began administering life saving measures to an infant who had obvious physical trauma. The infant was rapidly transported to the hospital.
Due to the extent of the infant’s injuries, WWPD Major Crimes Detectives were called to both the hospital and the address where the incident occurred to investigate and process the crime scene. The Washington State Patrol Crime Lab was requested to assist with the processing of physical evidence at the crime scene due to the complexity and nature of the incident.
As the investigation progressed, probable cause was developed for the arrest of Corona Ibarra for physically assaulting his infant child. He was located and taken into custody about three hours after the initial 911 call. Corona Ibarra was not on scene when the police first arrived.
The information on the infant’s death is being forwarded to the Walla Walla County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to be added to the original report. Corona Ibarra is still in custody at the Walla Walla County Jail.
“Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to the family during this unimaginably difficult time,” WWPD Public Information Officer Sgt. Nick Loudermilk said. “We ask everyone to honor the family’s need for privacy and space as they grieve.”
