21-year-old man told a friend he was “just playing” with his baby sister and “may have killed her” after he wrapped a USB cable around her and left the girl hospitalized; arrested
Virginia – In a deeply unsettling incident in Virginia, a 21-year-old man, identified as Alvaro A., has been arrested shortly after he told a friend he was just playing with his baby sister and may have killed her after he strangled the girl with a USB cable, leaving her hospitalized in critical condition. Alvaro is charged with one felony count of strangulation following the attack, according to authorities. Additional charges are expected as the case develops.
The incident took place at an apartment late Wednesday morning. Police responded around 10 a.m. after receiving a 911 call about an infant who was not breathing. When first responders arrived, they found the baby girl unresponsive with a white USB charging cord still wrapped around her neck. She was immediately taken to a hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
Alvaro fled the apartment on foot before police reached the scene. Court documents say that shortly after, he called a friend and said he was just playing with his baby sister and “may have killed her.” Police issued alerts to find him, describing his appearance, including that he was wearing a white T‑shirt and grey pants with a black stripe. Around 3:18 p.m. that afternoon, after about five hours of searching, officers apprehended Alvaro with assistance from the sheriff’s office. He was found late within walking distance—roughly 15 minutes—from the apartment.
Law enforcement says the investigation is still active. As of now, Alvaro is being held without bond at the county jail. His court appearance is scheduled for November 13, where prosecutors may bring additional charges depending on how the infant’s condition develops. Authorities described the case as especially harrowing because of the nature of the assault involving an infant. There has been no public statement about a motive beyond Alvaro’s claim to the friend—that he was “playing” with her. Investigators also noted that the handling of the case, including which charges apply, will depend on whether the child survives or dies.
Alvaro currently faces a felony strangulation charge. If the infant recovers, this could remain as a significant assault category; however, if the baby dies, further, more severe charges—including possibly homicide—might be added. The community and authorities are watching closely. The case underscores the tragic consequences when violence enters caregiving relationships and the urgency of protecting the most vulnerable. For now, the future of the injured infant is uncertain, and the legal fate of Alvaro hinges on her outcome and the ongoing investigation. His next court date of November 13 may bring more clarity on where this case is headed.
