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Suspect found dead in aftermath of hostage situation, house fire in Surprise: PD

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Updated  May 18, 2024 9:40pm MST

SURPRISE, Ariz. - A suspect accused of shooting a baby multiple times is believed to be dead after he barricaded himself inside a home that erupted in flames in a neighborhood in Surprise.

He was identified as 51-year-old Todd Christopher Marchetti believed to be the father of the baby shot.

Officials said they discovered the remains of Marchetti with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound when they were able to enter the home.

Man who shot his infant son pronounced dead

The man who kidnapped his infant son hostage was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in the aftermath of a huge house fire in Surprise. FOX 10's Kenzie Beach has the latest.

(Mugshot of Todd Marchetti)

The home caught fire just after 3:00 p.m. on May 17. 

Surprise Police Sergeant Rick Hernandez said one shot was fired by officers at the suspect before the fire began.

Police believe the suspect was barricaded inside the home at the time it erupted in flames. 

Hostage situation leaves baby shot, home destroyed

A hostage situation in Surprise left a trail of destruction as a new born was shot multiple times and a home was destroyed in a massive fire. FOX 10's Brian Webb has the latest update.

Flames seen emitting from house in Surprise where a man was believed to be barricaded inside. 

When officers got to the scene around 11 a.m. near Cactus Road and Cotton Lane, they heard gunfire coming from inside the home. The officers forced entry into the home and found an infant with multiple gunshot wounds to the lower extremities.

Officers got the baby out of the home, according to Hernandez. The baby is expected to survive after being shot four times, according to officers.

Surprise Police provide update on barricaded suspect

Surprise Police provide an update on a house fire where a barricaded suspect was believed to be.

A woman reported to authorities that she was being held hostage by a suspect at the location, which is how the incident began.

Hernandez said she was able to get out of the house around 11:30 a.m., though it was unclear how.

She urged construction workers nearby to call 911 to report the emergency.

House erupts in flames with suspect barricaded

A suspect believed to have shot his baby multiple times barricaded himself inside a home in Surprise. The home was destroyed in a fire. FOX 10's Brian Webb has the story.

Police said a domestic violence related investigation involving Marchetti and woman who lived there was opened two weeks ago.

Police said the suspect did not reside at the home in Surprise.

Tune in to FOX 10 Phoenix for the latest news

A GoFundMe page was set up for the family of the baby.

Map of the incident:

This is a developing story. Stay with us for updates.

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