Kansas man accused of killing woman and submerging her in bathtub, bludgeoning 4-year-old girl

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (TCD) -- A 28-year-old man was arrested this week for allegedly beating a woman to death and severely injuring her 4-year-old daughter.

According to the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, on Saturday, Jan. 15, Kansas City Police officers went to the 7300 block of Wabash for a welfare check. Responding officers discovered a 24-year-old woman dead in a bathtub and a 4-year-old girl with "severe trauma" to her head. The young girl reportedly remains in critical condition.

The statement says a 911 call came earlier that day from the 24-year-old victim’s phone. KCTV-TV reports the victim dialed 911 at around 6 a.m. that day and arguing could be heard in the background.

Officers reportedly found blood on the home’s main floor as well as boot tracks that allegedly matched shoes belonging to the suspect, Jose Escalante-Corchado. Surveillance video reportedly showed Escalante-Corchado’s truck in the vicinity as well as a man believed to be Escalante-Corchado running away from the victim’s residence and getting into the truck. Escalante-Corchado reportedly admitted to knowing the victim and her daughter.

The Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said Escalante-Corchado faces charges of first-degree murder, first-degree assault, two counts of armed criminal action, and first-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

KCTV reports the victim was identified as Mackenzie Hopkins. Police reportedly suspect she was killed in the house then dragged to the bathtub where she was submerged.

Escalante-Corchado remains in custody without bond.

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