DCS Report Details Prior Abuse Allegations Ahead of Tucson Child’s 2024 Drowning Death
A newly released fatality report from the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) confirms that state records documented a history of abuse and neglect allegations involving a 4-year-old Tucson girl prior to her drowning death in March 2024.
According to a criminal complaint, 31-year-old Nathan Peru left his daughter, Tammy Hernandez, unattended in a bathtub on March 16, 2024, at their Tucson residence. Peru told investigators he used a showerhead to fill the tub, stating the child knew how to turn off the water. He reported leaving the bathroom to retrieve nicotine pouches from a vehicle outside and to clean the house, leaving the doors open to listen for her.
Peru told police he was outside for approximately five minutes, during which he heard a “thump” that he believed was his dog knocking over tools. Upon returning inside, he discovered the child face down in the water.
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“On March 16, 2024, the Department of Child Safety received a report regarding 4-year-old Tammy Hernandez, who reportedly drowned in the bathtub and died at home,” DCS officials stated in the fatality report released on May 13. “The medical examiner determined the child suffered possible drowning, blunt force injuries, and a severe stomach ulcer contributing to her death.”
Following the medical examiner’s findings, Peru was indicted on charges of child abuse and sexual abuse. The agency’s report concluded, “The Department determined Tammy Hernandez died as result of physical abuse and neglect while in the care of her father.” DCS officials have since substantiated all neglect reports regarding the child.
Agency records indicate a history of prior contacts with Peru. DCS received three separate reports accusing him of neglecting and abusing Tammy, alongside six distinct reports of neglect and abuse filed against him between 2012 and 2021 involving other children. Allegations were also made against the child’s biological mother.
Following a period where family services were provided and Tammy was placed into foster care, she was returned to Peru’s custody in November 2023.
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In an August 2024 interview with KOLD, Tammy’s adoptive mother, Myriam Cisneros, stated that she had questioned the decision to return the child to Peru.
“They tell me it’s his right. She has the right to visit her dad,” Cisneros said. “They thought I was overexaggerating when I was asking so many questions. You only ask so many questions because it’s your loved one. It don’t matter if she wasn’t my blood daughter. She was my daughter.”
Peru did not face trial on the criminal charges. In October 2025, while in custody awaiting trial, he was shot and killed during an officer-involved shooting after attacking a corrections officer at a local hospital.
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