Clay County—Indiana State Police Detectives from the Putnamville Post are currently investigating the death of a nine month old infant male from rural northern Clay County.
Preliminary investigation reveals, just after 10:30 Saturday morning, an adult family member found the infant unresponsive in the infant’s bedroom crib area and summoned assistance through 911. The Parke County Sheriff’s Office received the call, notified the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for fire/rescue units, and then the Parke County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher instructed family members how to perform CPR via the phone. Family members began and continued CPR until arrival of fire-EMS crews, at which time the infant was transported to St. Vincent-Clay Hospital in Brazil and was later pronounced deceased.
An autopsy is scheduled for Monday, July 9, at Terre Haute Regional Hospital and will be performed by Pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr.
At this time, detectives have no indication of foul play and continue to investigate this death.
Indiana State Police encourages parents to practice safe sleeping environment for infants including proper crib assembly, and no utilization of soft objects in sleep area such as blankets, toys, pillows, bumpers, etc….
The case is being investigated by ISP Detective Troy Cobb. Assisting were ISP Detectives First Sergeant Jason Fajt, and Sergeant Sam Stearley, ISP Crime Scene Investigator Sergeant Brandon Mullen, Trooper Brian Thomas, Clay County Coroner Nick French and deputy coroner Mark Thompson, Indiana Department of Child Services Clay County, Van Buren Fire/Rescue, Star EMS, the Parke County and Clay County Sheriff’s Office Communication Centers.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
