Tragedy Unfolds: 5-Year-Old Girl Found Dead in East Side Home After Father's Admissions

DISCLAIMER: This article contains descriptions of domestic violence and child abuse. It may not be suitable for all readers.

An Indianapolis man is behind bars after his 5-year-old daughter was found dead in their home on the city's east side Monday morning.

Police arrived at a home in the 200 block of North Lasalle Street just north of Washington Street around 11 a.m. after receiving a 911 call reporting that the child had fallen down a set of stairs and was unresponsive.

Officers found 5-year-old Zara Arnold suffering from trauma injuries, including being cold to the touch, having several bruises, and having dried blood on her face and shirt.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Court documents detail interviews between police and Zara Arnold's father, 41-year-old Zachary Arnold. Two other women, Zara's mother and Zachary's ex-girlfriend, also spoke with detectives.

Zachary Arnold told his ex “he was going to kill her, but then stated ‘hurt’ her,” in reference to his daughter.

The ex-girlfriend told police she and Zachary had been fighting the day before Zara's death. During the argument, Zachary said he would "kill" or "hurt" his daughter if she didn't do something.

Detectives noted that several reports had been made concerning Zara Arnold's welfare, including two 911 calls on May 11 expressing fears that Zachary Arnold had strangled the girl.

Zara's mother corroborated previous instances of abuse, telling investigators her daughter lived with her grandmother as Zachary would do drugs in front of her and withhold food. She would also return from visits with multiple bruises.

When Zachary spoke with detectives, he eventually admitted to strangling his daughter, saying she did not fall down stairs. He told investigators he'd choked her at least three times while arguing with his ex-girlfriend.

Zachary Arnold blamed his behavior on his ex-girlfriend, saying "she drove him to do this." The girl was still alive when Zachary went to bed, but she was cold when he woke up and checked on her.

Zachary Arnold was arrested and faces preliminary charges of murder and neglect of a dependent resulting in death. His initial court hearing has not been set.

IMPD Chief Chris Bailey expressed his thanks to the detectives involved, saying:

I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of 5-year-old Zara. No child should suffer such harm, especially in a place that should be safe: their home.