Warning: This story contains mentions of suicide and family violence that may be upsetting

A man suspected of shooting his 6-month-old son multiple times in the United States after taking the boy and his mother hostage, was found dead with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound in an Arizona home that caught fire during a SWAT standoff, police said.

The boy was reported to be in a critical but stable condition at a local hospital, Surprise police said. Earlier police said his injuries suffered the day before were not believed to be life-threatening.

Officers went to the home in the city of Surprise, northwest of Phoenix, in response to an emergency call at about 11.30am local time from a woman who said she and her baby had been held captive there since 3am by the child’s father, police said.

The mother escaped with minor injuries and called emergency services with a cellphone she said she borrowed from a nearby construction crew.

Police heard gunfire from inside the house as they arrived, Sergeant Rick Hernandez said. They entered and found the baby with gunshot wounds but did not see the father. They retrieved the child and retreated.

The dead man, identified today as 51-year-old Todd Christopher Marchetti, had repeatedly refused to peacefully surrender. Fire damage to the home initially prevented authorities from finding him, Hernandez said.

“Once it was safe for investigators to enter the residence, they discovered the remains of Marchetti with what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The cause of death is still pending the results of the medical examiner’s full report,” police said.

Aerial videos and photos from the afternoon showed a thick plume of smoke rising from the severely damaged house.

Surprise police scheduled a news conference for Tuesday to provide additional details on the ongoing investigation, Hernandez said.

FAMILY VIOLENCE

How to get help:
If you're in danger now:
• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you.
• Run outside and head for where there are other people. Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you.
• Take the children with you. Don't stop to get anything else.
• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay.
Where to go for help or more information:
• Women's Refuge: Crisis line - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7)
• Shine: Helpline - 0508 744 633 (available 24/7)
• It's Not Ok: Family violence information line - 0800 456 450
• Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children.
• Crisis line - 0800 742 584 (available 24/7)
• Ministry of Justice: For information on family violence
• Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga: National Network of Family Violence Services
• White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men's violence towards women.
How to hide your visit:
If you are reading this information on the Herald website and you're worried that someone using the same computer will find out what you've been looking at, you can follow the steps at the link here to hide your visit. Each of the websites above also has a section that outlines this process.

SUICIDE AND DEPRESSION

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234
• What's Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)
• Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
• Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.