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Home » Press Releases » 2012 News Archive » Baby Death Ruled a Homicide

Baby Death Ruled a Homicide

Buffalo police are investigating the death of a seven-week old infant, which has now turned into a homicide case. The baby boy expired from injuries that were inflicted upon him, in his Heath Street residence, according to police.

Northeast District police along with rescue personnel had responded to a call of a baby not breathing on November 10th, around 8:30am. Responding officers were then informed how the baby had been laying down after having been fed, and began gasping for air. Northeast District Police Officer Derrick R. Banaszak administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation, until he was assisted by responding Buffalo Fire Department personnel.

The baby was rushed to Sisters of Charity Hospital, and later transferred to Women's and Childrens' Hospital. He remained in the pediatric intensive care unit, on life support, for several days, was pronounced dead on November 15th.

Homicide Squad Detectives James A. Lema and Salvatore A. Valvo learned that the child had a very bad prognosis, when admitted to the hospital, and that he had suffered multiple hemorrhages, had indications of seizure activity and the highest probability that the child had suffered from shaken baby syndrome. Also assisting in the investigation are Detective Sergeant James P. Lonergan and Detective Reginald Minor.

An autopsy was conducted, and the cause of death ruled a homicide, due to blunt force head injuries. The examination detected brain damage, optical hemorrhaging and spinal column injury.