Sep 13, 2023

Mother, boyfriend accused in death of toddler in SW Kansas

Posted Sep 13, 2023 9:00 PM
Phaengsy-photo Ford Co.
Phaengsy-photo Ford Co.

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the alleged abuse death of a toddler in Southwest Kansas.

On September 6, police were dispatched to St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City to investigate the death of a one-year-old girl, according to a media release.

Officers identified the girl as 23-month-old Aramar Zubiate. During the initial investigation, Detectives noticed a significant injury to her head.

An autopsy was performed in Kansas City, and showed a significant skull fracture and blunt force impact, indicating a likely homicide.

Zubiate-photo Ford Co.
Zubiate-photo Ford Co.

On September 8, Detectives located Aramar's mother identified as 19-year-old Rachael Zubiate and Rachel's live-in boyfriend, 21-year-old Andrew Phaengsy both of Dodge City, and arrested them for the alleged murder of Aramar.  

A case was filed with the Ford County Attorney's office for requested charges of 1st-degree homicide and child abuse. Both parents were arraigned on Monday and are each being held on $250,000 bond.