Fort Worth, Texas — A Texas man is facing a capital murder charge after authorities alleged he fatally beat his 9-year-old daughter earlier this year, a case that has shocked the Fort Worth community following the release of court documents detailing the investigation.
Police arrested Marquise Anderson, 35, on Tuesday after the Tarrant County Medical Examiner ruled the death of Joanna Shoulder, 9, a homicide. Prosecutors have charged Anderson with capital murder of a child under the age of 10.
The allegations stem from an incident that occurred in February, when emergency crews responded to the family’s home after reports that the child was unresponsive.
Child Taken to Hospital After Early Morning 911 Call
According to investigators, officers responded to Anderson’s home around 3:15 a.m. on Feb. 8. Emergency responders found Joanna unconscious on the floor before transporting her to a local hospital.
Medical personnel reportedly observed extensive bruising across the child’s body, and despite lifesaving efforts, she later died from her injuries.
Following her death, homicide detectives launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case.
Investigators Detail Allegations in Court Documents
According to a probable cause affidavit, a woman who was inside the home told investigators that Anderson had disciplined Joanna with a belt the day before her death.
Police said Anderson initially claimed the child became ill while sitting in a bathtub after wetting the bed.
According to investigators, Anderson told police he had placed Joanna in the bathtub for several hours to clean up after she wet the bed twice overnight.
He also admitted spanking the child, investigators said.
Police allege Anderson later acknowledged striking Joanna with a belt that had a metal buckle after she appeared to “smirk” at him.
According to the affidavit, Anderson told investigators that after the alleged beating, Joanna became increasingly ill, appearing sleepy, thirsty, and having difficulty speaking before collapsing and vomiting.
Authorities said Anderson provided multiple explanations regarding injuries found on the child’s head.
Autopsy Found Extensive Blunt Force Injuries
According to investigators, the medical examiner’s autopsy documented extensive injuries throughout Joanna’s body.
The report allegedly found multiple bruises on her back, thighs, legs, and side, along with significant blunt force injuries involving her head and neck.
Authorities also reported internal bleeding beneath the scalp and around portions of the spinal canal.
On June 16, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner officially ruled Joanna’s death a homicide. That determination ultimately led investigators to file the capital murder charge against Anderson.
Father Remains in Jail Without Bond
Following his arrest, Anderson was booked into the Tarrant County Jail, where he remains in custody without bond.
As of this week, court officials had not announced his next scheduled court appearance.
The allegations contained in the affidavit represent investigators’ account of the case. The charges have not yet been tested in court, and Anderson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The criminal proceedings are expected to continue as prosecutors present evidence related to Joanna’s death.
The case has drawn renewed attention to child abuse prevention and the importance of reporting suspected abuse before situations become fatal.
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