ALBERT LEA, MN – A man has been arrested after an Albert Lea mom returned home from work to find her 2-year-old child grievously injured.
On July 6, 2023, at 11:43 AM, the Albert Lea Police Department and Fire Rescue were dispatched to 504 James Ave., Apartment 104, in support of a 2-year-old child reported as unresponsive. Follow-up communications indicated that the child had fallen down the apartment stairs. Upon arrival, responders determined that the child was breathing. The child was later identified as Ahziyas Bellemy Solo-Dampha, age 2.
The childâs mother informed officers that she did not know what had occurred, as she had just returned home from work. She said her boyfriend, Austin Michael Navarro (pictured, top), age 24, was home with the 2-year-old and an infant. Fire Rescue observed Navarro leaving the scene with an infant.
Albert Lea police officers pursued Navarro, conducted a traffic stop, and arrested him for driving after revocation and child endangerment. He was transported to the Freeborn County Adult Detention Center.
First responders provided medical care to the victim and transported him via Mayo Ambulance to Mayo Clinic Health Center in Albert Lea, where he later succumbed to injuries.
A suspicious death investigation ensued.
On the morning of July 7, 2023, the Ramsey County Medical Examinerâs Office ruled the death a homicide, caused by blunt force trauma.
Authorities are seeking additional charges against Navarro in support of the homicide, including second-degree murder.
The incident remains under investigation.
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