‘Too many retinal hemorrhages to count’: Colo. man convicted in 10-day-old daughter’s death

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. (TCN) -- A 21-year-old father accused of killing his 10-day-old daughter in 2024 has been convicted of child abuse resulting in death. 

The 18^th Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced the conviction of Hector Alexandro Delarosa on May 1. His infant, whose name has not been released, was admitted to the hospital on April 19, 2024. Hospital staff contacted the authorities after seeing the girl’s life-threatening injuries. Additional examinations revealed she had suffered from a skull fracture, brain bleeding, a fractured femur, and “too many retinal hemorrhages to count.” 

The baby was removed from life support on May 3, 2024, after showing minimal brain activity, according to the DA.

An investigation determined that Delarosa’s story was inconsistent. He claimed the injuries occurred when he and the child’s mother were giving the baby a bath, but an autopsy found the cause of death was blunt force trauma and the extent of the injuries would likely not result from a household accident. The manner of death was ruled a homicide, per the DA, and no charges were filed against the mother.

Delarosa is scheduled to be sentenced on June 29. The Denver Gazette reports he faces up to 12 years in prison.

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