INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Authorities have filed formal charges in the heartbreaking death of 5-year-old Zara Arnold, whose body was discovered earlier this week inside a home on the city’s near west side.
On Thursday, 41-year-old Zachary Arnold was charged with murder in connection with the child’s death, which occurred at a residence in the 200 block of North Lasalle Street. According to court documents, Arnold—who was Zara’s father—initially claimed the child fell down the stairs. He later reportedly confessed to choking his daughter.
Also charged is 30-year-old Andrea Lopez-Figueroa, identified in court records as Arnold’s former girlfriend, though not Zara’s mother. Lopez-Figueroa faces one felony count of assisting a criminal and a misdemeanor count of failure to report a crime.
Court documents paint a harrowing picture of ongoing abuse. Zachary Arnold had a documented history of allegations of child abuse, child molestation, violations of no-contact orders, and sexual assault involving Zara’s mother. Reports indicate that Zara had suffered multiple instances of abuse over the years leading up to her death.
Investigators allege that Lopez-Figueroa was not only aware of the abuse but also withheld critical information during the fatal incident. According to her initial statement to police, Lopez-Figueroa received a text message from Arnold stating that Zara had died. That message came shortly after Arnold reportedly sent a chilling text that read: “I’m going to kill Zara.”
Documents also reveal that the day before Zara’s death, Arnold reportedly FaceTimed Lopez-Figueroa, telling her he was about to kill the child. She told police she thought he was “just talking,” but during the video call, she allegedly witnessed choking and visible signs of distress, including white foam coming from Zara’s mouth.
Despite the disturbing visuals, Lopez-Figueroa did not call 911, authorities say. Instead, she is accused of concealing evidence and failing to take any action that might have saved Zara’s life.
Zara was pronounced dead on Monday, May 19. Her death has sent shockwaves through the local community and sparked outrage among child advocates and neighbors who are now mourning the life of a young girl remembered for her bright spirit and innocent smile.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that both Arnold and Lopez-Figueroa are currently in custody. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-TIPS (8477).