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| 21-year-old Alexander Byrne, who police say is the boyfriend of the child’s mother, 24-year-old Artnesia Baptist / MCSO |
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Mesa Police arrested Alexander Byrne and Artnesia Baptist in connection with the death of a 22-month-old child after investigators allege severe burns were concealed and medical treatment was delayed for days.
News Brief
- Mesa Police arrested two people in connection with the death of a 22-month-old child.
- Detectives say the child suffered severe burns and allegedly went without medical treatment for approximately 10 days.
- 21-year-old Alexander Byrne and 24-year-old Artnesia Baptist were both booked on first-degree murder and child abuse charges.
- Both suspects are being held on $1 million bond.
By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published May 28, 2026
MESA, Ariz. — Mesa Police detectives have arrested two individuals in connection with the death of a 22-month-old child who investigators say suffered severe burn injuries and was allegedly denied medical care for days before dying.
According to the Mesa Police Department, officers were dispatched just after 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026, to a residence near North Pomeroy and North Mesa Drive following reports of a child not breathing.
North Pomeroy and North Mesa Drive / Apple Maps
When officers arrived, they located the toddler unresponsive and suffering from physical injuries consistent with burns. Mesa Fire and Medical personnel responded to the scene and transported the child to a nearby hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, the child was pronounced deceased.
Mesa Police detectives launched an extensive investigation into the child’s death, conducting multiple interviews and executing search warrants.
Investigators allege the child sustained severe liquid burns over a large portion of his body while under the sole care of 21-year-old Alexander Byrne, who police say is the boyfriend of the child’s mother, 24-year-old Artnesia Baptist.
Detectives further allege Byrne and Baptist intentionally concealed the child’s injuries and failed to seek medical treatment for approximately 10 days leading up to the child’s death.
On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Mesa Police arrested both Byrne and Baptist. Each faces charges of first-degree murder and child abuse likely to cause death.
Jail records show Byrne was booked into the Lower Buckeye Jail while Baptist was booked into the Estrella Jail. Both are currently being held on $1 million bond and have been bound over to Superior Court.
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| 21-year-old Alexander Byrne / MCSO |
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| 24-year-old Artnesia Baptist / MCSO |
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Mesa Police Department.
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