Indianapolis Father Chokes 5-Year-Old Daughter to Death Then Blames Ex-Girlfriend for Angering Him

Inset: Zachary Arnold (Indianapolis Metro Police Department). Background: The east Indianapolis home where Zachary Arnold lived and allegedly killed his daughter

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — A 41-year-old Indianapolis man, Zachary Arnold, has been arrested and charged with murder and neglect following the death of his 5-year-old daughter, Zara Arnold, who was found lifeless and covered in bruises inside his east side home on May 19.

Arnold initially called 911 around 11 a.m. to report that his daughter had fallen down the stairs. However, investigators quickly found inconsistencies with his account. According to police reports, Zara's body showed visible trauma, including abrasions and ligature marks on her neck and chin. The Marion County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the girl was deceased at the scene.

Court documents reveal that Arnold later confessed to choking Zara during a heated argument with his girlfriend, whom he blamed for provoking him. He told investigators that after he stopped choking the child, she said she loved him and got into bed. Arnold admitted he did not check on her before going to sleep, saying he was too angry.

Zachary Arnold

The girl’s tragic final moments were shared in disturbing detail. Arnold reportedly sent his girlfriend photos of Zara foaming at the mouth and called her on FaceTime while allegedly choking the child, stating he was going to hurt her. His girlfriend, who was not home at the time, said she initially believed he was joking and did not call 911 due to fear.

Zara’s grandmother, O’Tonya Glasco, told authorities that Arnold had a history of abusing the child, using drugs around her, withholding food, and striking her with open palms. “I’m mad,” she said. “I’m very disappointed, because my granddaughter should be here.”

Multiple child abuse reports had previously been filed with the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) against Arnold. Records show allegations dating back to when Zara was just 9 months old, including visible bruising and red handprints observed by officers. Other reports accused Arnold of using methamphetamine in front of the child and of violent behavior toward both Zara and his girlfriend. Despite the multiple complaints, no criminal charges were filed, and instead only protective orders—repeatedly violated—were issued.

In one especially alarming incident just a week before Zara’s death, her mother saw her at a Wendy’s on North Shadeland Avenue. She told police Zara tried to run to her but Arnold grabbed the child by the neck and fled. Surveillance footage corroborated this, showing him forcefully placing the child into his Cadillac Escalade and driving away. A responding officer attempted to locate them that day but was unsuccessful.

At the time of her death, Zara's mother said she hadn’t seen her daughter in about a year due to losing custody. She questioned how Arnold was awarded custody despite his criminal history, which includes a rape charge from 2020 that was resolved via a plea deal.

Court records indicate the custody battle over Zara had been ongoing since her birth. Arnold's legal advocate withdrew from the case in June 2024, and Kids’ Voice of Indiana, the representing organization, has not commented on the case.

Just days before Zara’s death, Arnold was sentenced to 360 days in jail—all suspended—for violating a protective order in an unrelated case. He showed up at a custody exchange involving his girlfriend and her ex-husband, despite a court order barring him from doing so.

Zachary Arnold is currently being held on preliminary charges of murder and neglect of a dependent. The official cause of death is pending. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have pledged to ensure accountability in the case.