TUCSON, AZ — On March 12, 2016, at approximately 2:49 a.m., San Xavier district deputies responded to the 14300 block of West Rolina Lane for a rescue follow up call. When deputies arrived, 20-month-old Adam Mada was receiving life-saving measures from paramedics. Unfortunately, they were unable to revive the boy and he was ultimately pronounced deceased at the home.
It was not immediately clear how Adam died; therefore, homicide detectives responded and began an extensive investigation into the events leading up to his death. An autopsy was performed by the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) and, due to the thoroughness of their examination, the cause of death was determined to be homicide.
Besides a typical autopsy, additional forensic testing needed to be completed prior to their determination, which is why there was an extended amount of time for the final results.
With the results from OME and the evidence collected in this case, homicide detectives were able to establish 23-year-old Erick Henry as the suspect. With the help of the Sheriff’s Department Fugitive Investigative Strike Team, Mr. Henry was located in the area of Camino Verde Road and Nebraska Road and taken in to custody last night. Mr. Henry has been booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Complex on one count of First Degree Homicide, and two counts of Child Abuse.
Sheriff Nanos says, “In such a horrific case of child abuse which led to the murder of a small child, I am proud of the hard work by my detectives in apprehending this suspect.”
This investigation is ongoing.
