An Indiana father, who dialed 911 claiming that his daughter was unresponsive “after falling down the stairs,” faces murder charges as authorities discovered he allegedly mistreated and strangled the 5-year-old during an altercation with his former girlfriend, stating, “She drove him to do this,” based on court papers.

Zachary Arnold, age 41, is charged with the murder of his daughter Zara Arnold in his east Indianapolis home on Monday morning. Officials report they responded to the house at approximately 11 a.m. and declared Zara deceased at the location after being alerted by Arnold. Alleged signs of trauma were noted on the child’s body, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

“I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of 5-year-old Zara,” wrote IMPD Chief Chris Bailey in an X post on Tuesday. “No child should suffer such harm, especially in a place that should be safe: their home.”

Love true crime? Sign up for our newsletter, The Law&Crime Docket, to get the latest real-life crime stories delivered right to your inbox.

Court documents obtained by local CW affiliate WISH and the NBC affiliate WTHR detail how Arnold was allegedly arguing with his ex-girlfriend, who spoke to police about everything, in the days leading up to Zara’s death. He allegedly lashed out at Zara over it, the documents say, and told his ex the girl wasn’t following his rules.

“He was going to kill her, but then stated ‘hurt’ her,” the ex told police about Arnold’s alleged actions and feelings toward his daughter.

When police spoke with Arnold, he allegedly admitted that Zara didn’t fall down the stairs, WTHR reported. He allegedly said that after choking her, Zara asked him why he hurt her and said she loved him. Arnold allegedly admitted it was wrong of him not to check on her before going to bed after the incident, adding that he didn’t because he was too angry at his ex.

“After he stopped choking her the last time that night, Zara told him she was tired and climbed into bed,” Arnold allegedly told investigators.

On Monday morning, Arnold sent text messages to the ex with photos of Zara “foaming at the mouth,” according to police, along with alleged statements about killing her. Zara’s grandmother spoke to investigators and said Arnold was known to do drugs around the child and withhold food from her. He would also allegedly abuse and smack her with open palms.