A father and son are now dead following a domestic violence incident in Clarkdale on Thursday, Feb. 27.
The suspect, Joshua David Hernandez Lord, 33, was shot and killed by Clarkdale police at 3 p.m. responding to a call inside a home located on the 1400 block of Second South Street in Clarkdale.
Lord allegedly struck his son in the head causing numerous skull fractures prior to police arriving. Lord also allegedly struck his 51-year-old mother in the head, fracturing her skull as well.
The 4-year-old boy injured in the domestic disturbance was airlifted to Flagstaff Medical Center. He 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.
Medical personnel were dispatched to the scene, which was 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, Florisi stated.
Godina reportedly attempted several times to de-escalate 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, according to police. Godina continued his attempts to de-escalate the situation, all while keeping Lord in the residence and protecting the injured boy.
During the encounter, Lord reportedly carried a guitar allegedly used to assault his son and mother. Inside the house Lord allegedly grabbed a knife and used it to continually threaten Godina. He then allegedly “aggressed Officer Godina” according to 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.
Clarkdale Police Chief Randy Taylor has asked the Arizona Department of Public Safety Officer Involved Shooting Team to handle the investigation.
According to Florisi, the last officer-involved shooting by Clarkdale Police took place on Feb. 12, 2003.
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.
