PHOENIX (AP) — Officers responding to a report of an exorcism on a young girl found her grandfather choking her and used stun guns to subdue the man, who later died, authorities said Sunday.
The 3-year-old girl and her mother, who was also in the room during the struggle between 49-year-old Ronald Marquez and officers, were hospitalized, police said.
The relative who called police said an exorcism had also been attempted Thursday.
"The purpose was to release demons from this very young child," said Sgt. Joel Tranter.
The mother was not arrested, but police will consider criminal charges, Tranter said.