UPDATE JULY 2:

The following is a press release from the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office:

On June 26, 2008, Yavapai County Sheriff's Office Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Unit arrested 20-year-old Chino Valley resident Alexander (Alex) Allen for Hindering Prosecution in the 1st degree.

Yavapai Co. Sheriff's Office

Alexander Allen

Since the arrest of the baby's mother, Michelle Murray, for several counts of child abuse on June 17, 2008, detectives have continued their investigation as to the cause of the injuries. During further interviews with Allen regarding the case, detectives verified that Allen intentionally lied to them as to the cause of the baby's injuries during their first contact with him at the hospital. Allen did this in an apparent effort to protect Murray. Both Allen and Murray had claimed that Murray's two-year-old daughter pulled the baby out of an infant swing and caused the injuries. Allen's actions hindered the prosecution of Murray by providing false information to detectives and medical staff. As a result, Allen was arrested for Hindering Prosecution, and booked at the Prescott Detention Center. Additional charges are still possible.

Detective Ross Diskin, the lead investigator in this case, is seeking information from anyone who has knowledge of child abuse incidents involving Murray and Allen. Detective Diskin may be reached at 928-777-7348.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

The following is a press release from the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office:

CHINO VALLEY -- On June 17, 2008, Yavapai County Sheriff's Office detectives from the Criminal Investigation Section, arrested 26-year-old Chino Valley resident Michelle Murray (aka Swartz) for several felony counts of abuse involving her two month old baby boy.

On June 11, 2008, Allen and Michelle Murray took their baby to Yavapai Regional Medical Center due to a swollen right leg. The parents told hospital staff another sibling, a two-year-old girl, caused the injury three days prior. After completing an exam and x-rays, medical staff discovered the boy had a fractured skull, fractured right femur, partially healed broken clavicle, and multiple rib fractures in various stages of healing. Based on the findings, YRMC medical staff called Children Protective Services (CPS) and YCSO. The Murray’s reside in the 1000 block of Buffalo Run Road, Chino Valley.

Detectives arrived at the hospital and after interviewing the parents, learned their initial story to hospital staff was false. CPS took custody of the child and detectives began an investigation into the cause of the baby’s injuries. During the next few days, Michelle changed her story several times as to how her baby was injured in an apparent attempt to conceal child abuse. Additionally, even with full knowledge of the injuries, Michelle could not explain why she waited three days before taking her baby to the hospital for treatment. These types of injuries, if left untreated, could have resulted in a long term serious medical condition or even death. Detectives learned that a family member, who had seen the baby’s swollen leg, had to demand Michelle take the baby to the hospital.

Based on the results of the investigation as of June 17, 2008, detectives believe Michelle had a direct roll in the abuse of her baby and she was arrested and booked at the Prescott Detention Center on six various felony child abuse charges. Her bond is set at $250,000 dollars.

The baby's father, Allen Murray, is cooperating with detectives as the investigation continues. The other child is also in protective custody.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office with information or questions at (928) 771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov