Dad ‘strangled his baby daughter to death while sexually assaulting her’

A father strangled his nine-month-old baby daughter to death while sexually assaulting her, police say.

Luis Luna, 23, allegedly killed Savayah Mason at his apartment in Houston, Texas, on August 24. An autopsy report said Savayah was asphyxiated while being sexually assaulted, with police finding bloodied baby wipes stuffed inside a garbage bag in Luna’s room.

Luna claimed he had left Savayah sleeping in her car seat next to his mattress, and that he woke up on the morning of her death to find her unresponsive.

The alleged killer dad claimed he may have accidentally killed Savayah during a subsequent interview with detectives.

A report from Harris County Sheriff’s Office explained his disputed excuse, saying: ‘When (Luna) laid her down, he buckled the straps the same way as if she was riding in a vehicle and believed he may have had the straps too tight and that maybe is what caused her death.’

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez shared his horror at Savayah’s death on Twitter, saying: “Heartbreaking. Worst type of cases. May this little angel Rest In Peace. ‘Good job by our investigators and all involved.”

Savayah’s mother dropped her off at Luna’s apartment on August 21, three days before her death. Luna shared the apartment where his baby daughter was fatally wounded with his three brothers.

Click2Houston said Luna was charged with capital murder on Monday night. He is being held in a mental health unit, with lawyers appearing on his behalf for a court hearing on Tuesday.

Luna is being held without bond ahead of his next court appearance and could be executed if he is convicted of Savayah’s murder.