Police Taser man allegedly performing exorcism on granddaughter

Phoenix police are investigating the death of a man they Tasered after he was found performing an exorcism on his granddaughter.

A relative called police to the home on a welfare check near 28th and Oak streets.

When they arrived, they heard screams and entered the residence.

Inside one of the bedrooms, officers found Ronald Marquez, 49, holding his 3-year-old granddaughter in a headlock and her mother was standing nearby naked and clutching a religious icon and was covered in blood.

“She was partaking in whatever ritual event they were trying to perform,” said a police spokesperson. “We did receive information that an exorcism was taking place, and this was the second time this week.

Investigators say the man was apparently trying to squeeze or extract demons from the child.

Police say when Marquez wouldn’t let go, they Tasered him twice.

After Marquez was handcuffed, police noticed he was not breathing and transported him to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The child was taken to the hospital and is expected to be OK.

Police say the child’s mother could face child abuse charges.

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