Police investigate local child death

CINCINNATI - The investigation into the death of a newborn is continuing but one official says criminal charges could arise.

“Criminal charges could be filed in this case,” said Hamilton County Coroner Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco.

The newborn – determined to have been no more than five to seven days old – was brought by her mother and grandmother to Bethesda North Hospital at about 10 p.m. Monday. Montgomery police determined the child was dead.

The infant, which was wrapped in a blanket, was believed to be a girl but the body was so badly decomposed it was difficult to determine if the baby had suffered trauma, Sammarco said.

Sammarco says the baby looked to be full term, but wasn't born in a hospital. An autopsy was underway but Sammarco said already tests had determined there was no food in the baby’s stomach and other tests would determine if there was air in the baby’s lungs.

Authorities haven't released the name of the mother. Sammarco says she's a young, African-American woman who seemed "upset" at the hospital.

The investigation centered around a house in Kennedy Heights in the 3800 block of Dunloe Avenue.  A woman who identified herself as the grandmother of the dead infant said her daughter had "severe cramps on Wednesday night. She came out of the bathroom with bloody towels."

Cincinnati police are working to determine if a crime was committed. Charges have not been filed.

Stay with 9 News and WCPO.com for updates as they become available.
 

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