UPDATE: Milledgeville father charged with murder in 3-year-old daughter’s death
Joseph Roberto Lee Vazquez faces second-degree murder and child cruelty charges. Investigators haven’t said who fired the gun.
UPDATE (9/28/26): The father of a 3-year-old girl who died after a shooting inside a Milledgeville home Saturday has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children, Milledgeville police confirmed to 41NBC Monday.
A Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office booking report identifies him as Joseph Roberto Lee Vazquez and lists his booking date as Saturday, September 26.
According to deputies, Vazquez is 26 years old.
Police previously said children ages 3, 5 and 7 gained access to a gun inside the home in the 1100 block of Dunlap Road. Their father was home at the time. Investigators have not said who fired the gun.
The child’s grandmother identified her as Alara Marie Vazquez on a GoFundMe page. The fundraiser seeks help with funeral and burial expenses, along with the cost of helping Alara’s mother and two brothers move out of the home where the shooting happened.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are pending.
Alara Marie Vazquez (GoFundMe)
ORIGINAL STORY (9/26/26):
MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- A 3-year-old is dead after police say three young children got access to a gun inside a Milledgeville home.
Officers were called to the 1100 block of Dunlap Road around 12:53 a.m. Saturday after someone reported that a child had been shot.
When Milledgeville police officers and a Baldwin County sheriff’s deputy arrived, they found the injured child. Officers decided there was no time to wait and rushed the child to Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin in a patrol vehicle.
The child later died from the injuries.
Police say children ages 3, 5, and 7 were inside the home when they gained access to the firearm. Investigators have not said who fired the gun or explained what happened immediately before the shooting.
Their father was also inside the home at the time. Officers took him to the Milledgeville Police Department for questioning.
Investigators searched the home after obtaining a warrant and recovered the gun they believe was involved.
Police Chief Dray Swicord said charges are pending while investigators continue interviewing people and reviewing evidence. Police have not announced who could be charged or what charges are being considered.
The Georgia Division of Family & Children Services also responded. The agency will investigate the children’s circumstances and the condition of the home.
The investigation remains active. Police said they will release additional information as it becomes available.
