Pembroke Pines, Florida – In a devastating incident, a 2-year-old girl lost her life after her father allegedly slit her throat during a court-approved visit. Jeronimo Duran, 33, picked up his daughter, Melody Alana Rose Duran, from her mother’s home early last Tuesday and took her to his grandmother’s house.
Arriving home around 9:30 a.m., Duran’s grandmother was confronted with a horrifying scene in the kitchen. She discovered Duran lying face-to-face on top of Melody, who appeared blue and discolored. Startled, the grandmother shouted at Duran to stop his actions.
Immediately contacting 911, Duran remained silent in the kitchen while screams could be heard in the background of the distressing call. Paramedics arrived swiftly and transported little Melody to the hospital, but unfortunately, she was pronounced dead at Memorial Regional Hospital just before 10:30 a.m. Detectives found a significant cut across her neck and a bloodied steak knife on the kitchen floor, with Duran covered in blood.
During questioning, Duran revealed that he was taking medication for depression and had smoked marijuana earlier that day. He admitted to prior hospitalization for mental health issues. Duran confessed to choking his daughter until she lost consciousness and then cutting her throat when his grandmother called for help.
The tragedy took place amidst a custody battle between Duran and Melody’s mother, Mona Rosita Clarke. The couple had been together for 10 years before separating last year. Clarke had filed for full custody, citing Duran’s mental illness, paranoia, anger problems, and drug use. She recounted instances of violence towards her, Melody, and even the family pet.
Duran appeared in court wearing restraints and a protective vest. He stayed silent throughout the hearing. The judge ordered him to be held without bail on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse.
As the investigation progresses, support is being provided to the first responders affected by the traumatic incident. The focus now is on delivering justice for Melody’s grieving family.