PHOENIX, AZ – A woman from Phoenix, Arizona has been taken into custody on suspicion of murdering her own daughter and disposing of the child’s body in a dumpster. The suspect, identified as Sophia Simmons, 38, is believed to have beaten and assaulted the young child prior to her death, according to local police.
Authorities received a report on Christmas Eve around 8 p.m., alerting them to the alleged assault and subsequent abandonment of the girl’s body, who is believed to be between 5 and 7 years old. The child’s remains were discovered in a dumpster located near a business in the area of 31st Avenue and Thomas Road.
Following a tip on Monday, detectives obtained a search warrant for Simmons’ residence. During the search, evidence was found indicating an attempt to clean a crime scene. However, Simmons was not present at the time. Detectives soon discovered that she was on her way back to Arizona on the I-10, although details about her location before that remain unknown.
Law enforcement officers located Simmons in Tonopah and took her into custody. She has since been booked on multiple felony charges, including child abuse, first-degree murder, and tampering with physical evidence. Detectives are now awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination conducted by the Office of the Medical Examiner to further inform their investigation.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, as residents grapple with the loss of an innocent child. This heartbreaking case underscores the necessity of safeguarding the well-being of children, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward and assist in the investigation.