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Baby boy found dead in co-sleeping incident
Baby boy found dead in co-sleeping incident
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office says a two-and-a-half-month-old infant was found dead on Sunday, September 8th in a co-sleeping incident. The Medical Examiner's report indicates the infant was found lying under a sibling in bed.
The Medical Examiner's report says the infant's mother found the baby boy dead, lying underneath an eight-year-old sibling, on Sunday morning. The report indicates a 13-year-old girl was in the bed as well.
"(His mother) tried CPR and everything that she could, but nothing could help. His mom is really, really dealing with this very hard because she left him with an adult. Right now, she's in shock," a relative, Tammy Goodman, told FOX6 News.
The baby reportedly had a crib inside the home, but the infant's mother had reportedly placed the baby in a car seat, inside a Pack 'n Play while she went to run errands on Sunday morning. FOX6 News is told the boy's sister took him out of the car seat to give him a bottle when he woke up, while the rest of the household was sleeping, and the baby was then laying on the bed.
The incident occurred inside a two-story single-family residence on N. 34th Street in Milwaukee.
Living at the home were the infant's mother, father, six siblings and a tenant -- an adult man.
"He lived here for a couple weeks, but he's a good friend of the family," Goodman said.
The Medical Examiner's report indicates the infant was found on a queen-size bed. On the bed were two comforters, a fitted sheet and four pillows.
The Medical Examiner's report says the residence was filthy and unkempt. However, the family denies neglect is to blame in this case.
The baby was born with Dandy-Walker Syndrome -- a condition that affects brain development. He spent much of his short life in the hospital.
"He had a lot of health problems and stuff but we felt like once he was home he was gonna be okay because he was surrounded by many people that love him," Goodman said.
The District Attorney's Office says no charges have been referred, and they're not sure if anyone will be, as the investigation is ongoing.
Currently, unsafe sleeping accounts for 15-20 percent of infant deaths in Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee County Health Department says it is important babies sleep alone on their backs in a crib without any pillows, blankets or toys.