The 4-year-old boy injured in the domestic disturbance where a man was shot and killed by a Clarkdale police officer on Thursday, Feb. 27, in the 1400 block of Second South and airlifted to Flagstaff Medical Center, was pronounced dead from severe head injuries on Friday, Feb. 28, according to a press release issued by Sgt. Nicole Florisi on Monday, March 2.
The suspect, Joshua David Hernandez Lord, 33, was shot and killed by a police officer responding the call.
Lord allegedly struck his son in the head causing numerous skull fractures prior to police arrive. Lord also allegedly struck his 51-year-old mother in the head, fracturing her skull as well.
Medical personnel were dispatched to the scene first reported as an injured person. No information was received that the injuries were the result of assaults.
Per protocol, Clarkdale Police Officer Carlos Godina responded to assist medical personnel. The 911 calls did not convey the severity of the incident nor the extent of the injuries.
Godina reportedly attempted several times to deescalate the suspect, and at one point deployed his Taser. The Taser was reportedly ineffective and Lord’s behavior continued to escalate.
The events rapidly unfolded and within minutes Godina discovered the injured boy. Godina continued his attempts to deescalate the situation, all while keeping Lord in the residence and protecting the injured boy.
During the encounter, Lord reportedly carried the guitar allegedly used to assault his son and mother. Inside the house he allegedly grabbed a knife and used it to continually threaten Godina. He then allegedly “aggressed Officer Godina” according to Sgt. Florisi. Godina used lethal force.
Clarkdale Police Officer Michael Brundridge arrived and provided medical attention on the 4-year-old child until EMS arrived. Lord was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is being handled by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
The town of Clarkdale is hosting a public forum to discuss the incident and provide mental health and support services for neighbors on Thursday, March 5, at the Clarkdale-Jerome School from 6 to 8 p.m., Florisi stated.
Additional information will be posted on the Town of Clarkdale website at www.clarkdale.az.gov when it becomes available.
