INDIANAPOLIS — In an update to the investigation surrounding the death of 5-year-old Zara Arnold, two people have now been officially charged in connection with the case.
Zachary Arnold, the child's father, has been charged with murder, while 30-year-old Andrea Lopez-Figueroa, identified as Arnold's ex-girlfriend, faces charges of assisting a criminal as well as a misdemeanor charge for failure to report a crime.
The incident that led to these charges occurred on Monday morning when Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a distress call in the 200 block of N Lasalle Street.
Police reported that they arrived around 11 a.m. to find Zara unresponsive after allegedly falling down the stairs. Upon examination, officers noted injuries consistent with trauma. Despite lifesaving efforts by authorities, the young girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the incident, Zachary Arnold was questioned at the IMPD Child Abuse Office, where police subsequently arrested him on preliminary charges of child neglect of a dependent and murder.
DCS Reports
Recent court documents reveal a history of prior abuse allegations involving Zara and her father dating back to 2020.
In May 2025, two police dispatches were made to Zachary's residence after a caller expressed concerns for Zara's safety, alleging that Zachary had strangled her. Additionally, police reports document a domestic disturbance at a Wendy's where Zachary was accused of strangling his daughter. Officers responded but were unable to locate either Zara or Zachary.
The Indiana Department of Child Services was involved multiple times over the years, with several reports detailing allegations of physical abuse against Zara. Notably, the allegations include:
- November 16, 2020: When Zara was just 9 months old, she was reported to have bruises and scratches on her abdomen after spending time with Zachary; the allegations were substantiated.
- April to July 2023: Multiple incidents reported bruises on Zara's body after spending time with her father, but all counts remained unsubstantiated.
- July 11, 2024: Zara had marks on her throat and body, with allegations of neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse; these allegations were also unsubstantiated.
- March 31, 2025: Allegations surfaced that Zachary was allegedly using drugs in front of Zara and also slapped her; again, all counts were unsubstantiated.
According to the allegations of some of these reports, Zachary was said to be sniffing meth and did meth in front of Zara.
WRTV reached out the DCS for a statement on the case, their statement is below:
“Our hearts break with every child fatality. This is a tragic situation. We are also thinking of the first responders and DCS team members who initially arrived at the scene. As with any child fatality, we continue to partner with law enforcement."
Andrea Lopez, the ex-girlfriend
During a police interview, court documents revealed that Andrea told police about this pattern of abuse, stating that Zachary choked both her and Zara on multiple occasions.
Despite witnessing these acts of violence—including incidents where Zachary reportedly choked Zara while lifting her off the ground—Andrea admitted she never called 911 due to fear of Zachary.
At this time, a warrant is out for Andrea's arrest.
Those with any additional information are urged to contact Detective Jamie Davis at the IMPD Child Abuse Office at 317-327-6875 or via email at Jamie.davis@indy.gov.
