Visalia Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murdering Baby Daughter

Today in Department 5 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, Judge Joseph Kalashian sentenced Aaron Rowe, age 28, of Visalia, to 18 years-to-life in prison for the murder and assault of his 47-day-old daughter, Peyton. On July 11, 2018, a jury found Rowe guilty of second-degree murder and assault likely to cause great bodily injury.

In the late evening of November 12, 2012, Peyton Rowe was transported to Kaweah Delta after being found in her home unconscious on the floor. Despite the best efforts of doctors and nurses, she was pronounced dead a few minutes past midnight. That night, it was discovered that the baby had severe bruising on the left side of her face and ear, and fractures on her right humerus and femur inflicted by blunt force trauma. At autopsy, it was further discovered that she had twelve prior posterior rib fractures on the left and right side of her body, and arm and leg fractures on the left side. She also sustained hemorrhages on the front and back of her skull, with an extensive subdural hemorrhage in her brain. Optic nerve hemorrhages in the back of her eyes were also discovered. Doctors testified at trial that these extensive injuries were caused by violent shaking and impacts. On November 15, 2012, Rowe was arrested for murder. Evidence at trial showed Rowe had a history of domestic violence and physical child abuse.

The case was prosecuted by Supervising Deputy District Attorney Brenda Broker with assistance from District Attorney paralegal Patty Wagner. The case was investigated bythe Visalia Police Department and the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494