One-year-old Aramar Zubiate was brought to St. Catherine Hospital in Dodge City, Kansas, where her death was reported on September 6, 2023. Detectives observed a significant head injury, and an autopsy performed in Kansas City revealed a significant skull fracture and blunt force impact, indicating a likely homicide. Her mother, Rachel Zubiate (19), and her live-in boyfriend Andrew Phaengsy (21), described as the child's parents, were arrested on September 8, 2023, and charged with first-degree homicide and child abuse. Both were held on $250,000 bond following arraignment on September 11, 2023.
Contexts/Conditions
Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?
Is there any mention of a drowning incident (either intentional or accidental)?
Is there any mention of a firearm incident?
Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?
Is there any mention of inflicted injury? (e.g. slapped, punched, kicked, choked)
The news article states that "An autopsy performed in Kansas City showed a significant skull fracture and blunt force impact, indicating a likely homicide." Detectives also "noticed a significant injury to the little girl's head." Blunt force impact causing a skull fracture in a one-year-old, classified as a likely homicide, constitutes inflicted injury.
Is there any mention of malnutrition, starvation, or dehydration?
Is there any mention of medical neglect?
Is there any mention of a motor vehicle crash or incident?
Is there any mention of a murder-suicide incident?
Is there any mention of outdoor elements (including hot car deaths)?
Is there any mention of prenatal substance exposure (including fetal alcohol syndrome or neonatal abstinence syndrome)?
Is there any mention of sexual abuse?
Is there any specific mention of shaken baby or abusive head trauma?
The news article describes "a significant injury to the little girl's head" and an autopsy showing "a significant skull fracture and blunt force impact" in a one-year-old, in the context of a likely homicide. While the specific terms "shaken baby syndrome" or "abusive head trauma" are not used, the described mechanism — blunt force impact to the head causing skull fracture in an infant/toddler ruled a likely homicide — constitutes abusive head trauma.
Is there any mention of prolonged abuse or torture (including restraints, captivity)?
Is there any mention of an unsafe sleeping environment?
Individuals Involved
Was an adoptive parent or guardian involved in the death?
Was a biological father involved in the death?
The news article refers to Rachel Zubiate and Andrew Phaengsy and describes Aramar as "the couple's one-year-old daughter," implying Andrew Phaengsy is the biological father. He was arrested in connection with the death.
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
The news article identifies Rachel Zubiate, 19, as the child's mother (the child shares her last name, Zubiate). She was arrested in connection with Aramar's death, and charges for first-degree homicide and child abuse were requested.
Was a day care worker, babysitter, or nanny involved in the death?
Was a female paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., girlfriend, stepmother)?
Was a foster parent involved in the death?
Was a male paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., boyfriend, stepfather)?
Was another adult relative involved in the death? (e.g., grandfather, aunt)
Was a sibling involved in the death?
Child Characteristics
Was the child adopted?
Was the child homeschooled (including "cyberschooling") or taken out of school?
Was the child in foster care at the time of the incident?
Was the child living with relatives at the time of the incident (but not parents)?
Is there any mention of a neurological developmental child disability? (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, nonverbal)
Is there any mention of a physical child disability? (e.g., feeding tube)
Is there any mention of prematurity or low birthweight?
Is there a history of child protection reports prior to death (for this child or siblings)?
Does the child have a history of foster care (but not in care at time of incident)?
Is there a history of a sibling death (separate incident from this death)?
Parent/Caregiver Factors
Was an adult charged or arrested for the child's death?
The news article states: "detectives located Rachel Zubiate, 19, and Andrew Phaengsy, 21, and arrested them in connection to Aramar's death." Charges for first-degree homicide and child abuse were filed.
Is domestic violence by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is there any mention that the death occurred in a temporary shelter or while homeless?
Is an intellectual disability of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is the mental health of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is a history of arrests or criminal charges for the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
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