TUCSON, Ariz. — Newly released reports reveal how a father neglected and abused his young daughter for years before she tragically drowned while bathing by herself.
The Victim and Circumstances
Four-year-old Tammy Hernandez died on March 16, 2024, at her father’s Tucson home. According to a criminal complaint obtained by the Arizona Daily Star, her father, 31-year-old Nathan Peru, had promised to take her to McDonald’s for breakfast, but Tammy wanted to take a bath first.
Peru reportedly left Tammy in the bathtub with the front door and bathroom door open while he was outside the home grabbing nicotine pouches and cleaning. When he returned, he found Tammy face down in the bathtub, according to investigators.
Abuse and Neglect History
Department of Child Safety (DCS) records indicate Peru had a documented history of neglect and abuse:
- Tammy had three substantiated reports of abuse against her father.
- Between 2012 and 2021, Peru had six separate abuse or neglect reports involving other children.
- Tammy’s biological mother was also implicated in neglect allegations.
The DCS fatality report concluded that Tammy died as a result of physical abuse and neglect while in the care of her father, and the medical examiner noted she suffered possible drowning, blunt force injuries, and a severe stomach ulcer contributing to her death.
Father’s Account
Peru told investigators he filled the bathtub using the showerhead and left Tammy to manage the water while he went outside. He claimed he heard a “thump” and thought his dog had knocked over tools in the living room. Upon checking, he found Tammy in the tub.
Peru’s Death
In October 2025, Peru died in an officer-involved shooting after allegedly attacking a corrections officer at a local hospital.
Foster Care and Controversy
Tammy had previously been placed in foster care before being returned to Peru in November 2023. Her adoptive mother, Myriam Cisneros, told CBS affiliate KOLD that Tammy did not want to return to Peru but was forced by DCS to visit him.
“They tell me it’s his right. She has the right to visit her dad…It don’t matter if she wasn’t my blood daughter. She was my daughter,” Cisneros said.
All neglect reports filed against Peru regarding Tammy were substantiated, according to DCS records.
Ongoing Investigation
DCS has not commented further on the case. Law enforcement continues to review the circumstances surrounding Tammy’s death and the family’s history of abuse.
