Mesa resident arrested for murder of her
3-year-old niece
On
April 11, 2008 at 4:15 p.m., 29-year-old Latisha L.
Breckenridge of Mesa was arrested on suspicion of
second degree murder and child abuse in the death of
her 3-year-old niece, Juliana Ruiz.
The investigation unfolded on March 19, 2008 at
1:25 p.m. when 3-year-old Juliana was transported to
Desert Banner Hospital by ground ambulance after
Breckenridge called
9-1-1, stating that Juliana had fallen off a
recliner and stopped breathing in their Mesa
residence located in the 600 block of East Flower
Avenue. Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors
pronounced Juliana deceased. Hospital staff
contacted the Mesa Police Department and the
investigation was started. During the investigation,
Breckenridge maintained her story that Juliana had
fallen off of a recliner and stopped breathing, at
which point she called 9-1-1. Investigators
discovered that Breckenridge was Juliana's legal
guardian. The Breckenridge residence was processed
for evidence and an autopsy was performed by the
Office of the Maricopa County Medical Examiner.
According to the medical examiner, Juliana's
death could not have been caused by the fall that
was described by Breckenridge. On April 11, 2008,
investigators interviewed Breckenridge a second time
and she admitted to becoming angry with Juliana,
grabbing her by her clothing, pulling her, and
pushing her back against a couch in the residence.
Breckenridge stated that she heard a "pop" when
Juliana's back was pushed against the couch.
Breckenridge stated that she tossed Juliana forward
and she fell to the ground. After several minutes,
Breckenridge realized that Juliana was not breathing
and called 9-1-1.
Breckenridge was booked on suspicion of second
degree murder and child abuse. Breckenridge is
currently being held on a $200,000 dollar bond.
(Photo is of Latisha Breckenridge.)
