1-month-old infant dies after being taken to fire station

MEADOW LAKE — An investigation into the death of a 1-month-old infant is continuing, with local law enforcement saying the initial investigation shows no signs of foul play.

“The preliminary results (of the autopsy) did not reveal signs of abuse, and no criminal charges have been filed at this time,” Valencia County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Joseph Rowland wrote in a press release issued Tuesday, Sept. 2.

At about 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 28, a 911 call came into the Valencia Regional Emergency Communication Center reporting a family in distress and in need of medical assistance. Not long after, a second 911 call was made from the Meadow Lake Fire Station, reporting an unresponsive infant who was not breathing had been brought to the station.

In a press release issued on Friday, Aug. 29, Rowland said medical personnel at the fire station began life-saving measures immediately, but were unsuccessful. The Office of the Medical Investigator was notified and responded to the scene.

During the investigation, the home where the original 911 call came from was located and crime scenes were established there and at the fire station. Both locations were thoroughly processed throughout the day, Rowland wrote in the press release.

“Individuals involved were interviewed and extremely cooperative with detectives. The initial investigative steps have not shown any signs of foul play,” he continued in the press release.

In a press release issued Tuesday, Sept. 2, Rowland said investigators are awaiting the final autopsy report from OMI, which will include toxicology and other findings. The cause of death is pending the final OMI report.

During an interview on Aug. 28, Rowland said there were rumors a firearm was involved in the child’s death, but he confirmed a gun was not involved or “relevant to the death.”

“The Valencia County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences to the family and all who have been impacted by this tragic loss,” the press release says. “We remain committed to conducting a thorough investigation and will provide updates as information becomes available.”

Valencia County Fire Department chaplains responded to the incident and remain available to community members seeking support.