Lopatcong Township, New Jersey — A New Jersey man has been arrested and charged in the death of his infant daughter more than a year after authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s fatal head injury.
The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office announced that James A. Capo Jr., 39, of Phillipsburg, was taken into custody on June 23 following a lengthy investigation into the death of his 2-month-old daughter, Sophia Capo.
Investigators allege the infant’s death was a homicide, leading prosecutors to file serious felony charges against the child’s father.
Investigation Began After Infant Was Found Unresponsive
According to authorities, the investigation began on April 17, 2025, when officers with the Lopatcong Township Police Department responded to a home on Youngs Road after receiving a report of an unresponsive infant.
Officials said Sophia had reportedly fallen from a baby rocker before emergency crews were called to the residence. When officers arrived, they immediately began lifesaving efforts until emergency medical personnel took over.
Sophia was first transported to St. Luke’s Hospital–Warren Campus before being airlifted to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia because of the severity of her injuries.
Despite extensive medical treatment, the infant died on April 24, 2025.
Autopsy Ruled the Death a Homicide
Following Sophia’s death, investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding her injuries. According to the prosecutor’s office, a preliminary autopsy determined that the cause of death was blunt injury of the head.
The medical examiner also ruled the manner of death as homicide, prompting investigators to continue gathering evidence over the following 14 months.
Authorities have not publicly released additional details explaining what evidence led investigators to conclude the injuries were not consistent with an accidental fall.
Father Arrested After Months-Long Investigation
After more than a year of investigative work, authorities arrested Capo Jr. on June 23.
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He has been charged with:
- First-degree homicide
- Second-degree endangering the welfare of a child
Following his arrest, Capo Jr. was processed and lodged at the Warren County Correctional Center, where he remains pending his initial appearance in Warren County Superior Court.
The prosecutor’s office has not released additional information regarding whether the defendant has entered a plea or retained legal representation.
Serious Penalties if Convicted
Prosecutors noted that the charges carry significant potential penalties under New Jersey law.
According to the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, a conviction for first-degree homicide can carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The second-degree child endangerment charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison if convicted.
As criminal proceedings move forward, investigators have not indicated whether additional information or evidence will be released publicly.
The case remains active as prosecutors prepare for future court proceedings.
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