Guatemalan Illegal Immigrant Charged with Murdering Infant Daughter in Virginia

DHS says the suspect was let into the country under the Biden administration

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:52pm

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A 28-year-old Guatemalan man named Misael Lopez Gomez has been charged with second-degree murder and felony child abuse for allegedly beating his 3-month-old daughter to death in Fairfax County, Virginia. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Lopez Gomez is an illegal immigrant who crossed the border illegally in 2023 during the Biden administration.

Why it matters

This is the latest in a string of crimes committed by illegal immigrants in the Democratic stronghold of Fairfax County, Virginia, which has become a point of tension between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement policies.

The details

Police found Lopez Gomez's infant daughter not breathing and administered CPR, but she was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The medical examiner determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma. Lopez Gomez is being charged with second-degree murder and felony child abuse.

  • The incident occurred on Friday, March 31, 2026.
  • Lopez Gomez was arrested on the same day, Friday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Misael Lopez Gomez

A 28-year-old Guatemalan man charged with second-degree murder and felony child abuse for allegedly beating his 3-month-old daughter to death.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that says Lopez Gomez is an illegal immigrant who crossed the border illegally in 2023 during the Biden administration.

Fairfax County

The most populous county in Virginia and a Democratic stronghold where this incident occurred, as well as several other recent crimes involving illegal immigrants.

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic governor of Virginia who has been criticized for pursuing progressive policies, including an executive order barring law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.

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What’s next

DHS has lodged a detainer with Fairfax County law enforcement, requesting that they hold Lopez Gomez for potential deportation. The case has become a point of tension between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement policies.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the role of sanctuary policies in crimes committed by illegal immigrants, particularly in Democratic-leaning areas like Fairfax County.