MESA, AZ — A woman and her boyfriend are facing murder and abuse charges for the death of her toddler.
Just after 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 12, Mesa police officers were called to a home near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road for reports of a child not breathing.
When officers arrived, they located a 22-month-old boy unresponsive and suffering from physical injuries consistent with burns.
Mesa fire crews also responded and rushed the child to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
During an investigation, detectives determined the child received severe liquid burns over a large portion of his body while under the sole care of the mother, 24-year-old Artnesia Baptist and her boyfriend, 21-year-old Alexsander Byrne.
Police say it is alleged that Baptist and Byrne intentionally concealed the child's injuries and failed to seek medical treatment for up to 10 days before his death.
Court documents state that the couple did not seek medical treatment over concerns that the Arizona Department of Child Safety would be involved and take other children from the home.
The documents also state that the couple gave the toddler pain-relieving medication, aloe vera, and burn cream to treat the injuries at home.
Investigators obtained search warrants for the couple's internet history and found searches for "burn cream" and searches for first and second degree burns.
Mesa police arrested Baptist and Byrne on May 26 to face charges of first-degree murder and child abuse likely to cause death.
Previous history with the Arizona Department of Child Safety
The ABC15 Investigators have learned that Baptist had a previous history with the Arizona Department of Child Safety.
In a new statement from DCS, ABC15 was told there were two prior reports within the last year.
The first was in May 2025. The report alleged the toddler's mom, 24-year-old Artnesia Baptist, abused another child. DCS said the allegations were unsubstantiated.
The most recent report alleged neglect months later in September.
DCS says this was due to a domestic violence incident between Baptist and the baby’s biological father.
DCS said their agency, along with law enforcement, investigated, but no evidence was found to support the allegation.
Ultimately, DCS "assessed" the toddler as safe after Baptist moved out with her son and his siblings.
That was about seven months before the 22-month-old boy died from severe burns.
