Crime & Safety
Man Accused Of Abusing, Killing 2 Year Old Is Arrested In Phoenix
Rickey R. Lockwood, 36, was arrested on charges of child abuse and homicide in connection with the Phoenix death of 2-year-old Eli Steele.
PHOENIX, AZ — Phoenix Police Department Sergeant Mercedes Fortune reported Tuesday that Rickey R. Lockwood, 36, was arrested and charged with child abuse and homicide in connection with the death of 2-year-old Eli Steele.
On Monday about 5:15 p.m., Phoenix police were called to a home near 17800 N. 15th Ave. in Phoenix on a report that a child at the residence wasn’t breathing. Phoenix Fire also responded and took young Eli to an area hospital, where he died.
Meanwhile, police reported that Eli had “suspicious” injuries on his body Monday.
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Tuesday, Fortune said that further investigation indicated that Eli had sustained “severe injuries and trauma.” Police then developed probable cause and arrested Lockwood, who faces charges of child abuse and first-degree murder. He is locked up in the Maricopa County Jail.
The investigation continues.
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