Hanford Man Arrested for Death of Son | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Friday, April 10, 2009

Hanford, CA On Thursday, the father of the baby responded to the charges in court. 19-year old /*Victor Alfonzo Gonzalez*/ plead not-guilty today to murdering his three-month old son. His attorney says the arrest of Gonzalez and the baby's mother came as a surprise to them and their families.

Victor Alfonzo Gonzalez walked into court bearing no expression on his face. Gonzalez and his 17-year old girlfriend, /*Anella Sanchez*/, both face murder charges for killing their three-month old child last summer. Action News is revealing the name of the 17-year old because of the District Attorney's decision to charge Sanchez as an adult. Their attorney, /*Michelle Winspur*/, says the two adamantly deny the charges.

Michelle Winspur said, "I know them. I believe he is not guilty of this. I do not think he could commit this act."

In June 2008, officers arrived to a house on Beverly Drive in Hanford to find the couple's then-4-week old baby was having trouble breathing. After two months of hospital treatment, the baby died in August. Hanford Police investigators say the baby had traumatic injuries that are consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome. Captain Parker Sever says "I know the baby did have retinal tearing and also hemorrhaging of the brain."

Police arrested Gonzalez and Sanchez eight months after the baby died after receiving certain medical and DNA test results. Investigators say they're confident the two murdered their infant.

Captain Sever said, "Victor Gonzalez and the female that was involved – their actions led to the injuries that the child suffered."

Neighbors of the couple say they're surprised by the charges.

Virginia Bertren, Neighbor, said, "I think it was an accidental death. I think the young father panicked when the baby was choking or not breathing."

Michelle Winspur, Gonzalez's attorney, said "They're a very, very close family and very supportive. Both families are very supportive of each other and everyone. They're gentle people."

/*Victor Gonzalez*/ is expected back in court next week for a bail review. Right now he's being held without bail. Anella Sanchez is expected to be arraigned on Friday.