Chester County Man Pleads Guilty to Killing 9-Month-Old Child

Enrique Lopez-Gomez faces sentencing after admitting to punching infant and failing to get medical care.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A 32-year-old Chester County man named Enrique Lopez-Gomez has pleaded guilty to third-degree murder after punching a 9-month-old child and failing to seek medical attention, leading to the infant's death. The incident occurred on June 24, 2024 in Kennett Township, with first responders finding the child unresponsive and with bruising on the body. The cause of death was ruled as blunt force trauma to the abdomen.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the need for greater awareness and reporting of child abuse, as well as the importance of seeking immediate medical care when a child is injured. The district attorney called the death "unthinkable," underscoring the gravity of the crime and the impact on the local community.

The details

According to authorities, on the night of June 24, 2024, Enrique Lopez-Gomez punched the 9-month-old child, causing severe injuries. When first responders arrived, the child's mother was carrying the unresponsive infant out of the home, with white foam coming from the nose and mouth. EMS noted bruising on the child's body, and an investigation determined the injuries were caused by Lopez-Gomez striking the child. The cause of death was ruled as blunt force trauma to the abdomen.

  • The incident occurred on June 24, 2024 at around 10:58 p.m.
  • The child was pronounced dead at 12:16 a.m. on June 25, 2024.

The players

Enrique Lopez-Gomez

A 32-year-old Chester County man who pleaded guilty to third-degree murder for punching a 9-month-old child and failing to seek medical attention, leading to the infant's death.

Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe

The Chester County District Attorney who called the child's death "unthinkable."

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What they’re saying

“This was an unthinkable death.”

— Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe, Chester County District Attorney (Patch.com)

What’s next

Lopez-Gomez will be sentenced in the coming weeks for his crime.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for greater awareness and reporting of child abuse, as well as the importance of seeking immediate medical care when a child is injured. The community is left to grapple with the devastating loss of an innocent life.