The Newport Police Department has filed charges against a 17-year-old juvenile in connection with the death of a 2-month-old infant.
Newport Police Officers, accompanied by personnel from the Newport Fire Department, rushed to the Festival Field Housing Development following a report of an unresponsive 2-month-old child Thursday night approximately 10:55 p.m.
Efforts were made to save the infant’s life as the child was transported to Newport Hospital. However, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, the child was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the hospital.
Newport Police Detectives immediately launched investigation into the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death and their efforts led to the apprehension of a 17-year-old juvenile, who has been taken into custody.
The teenager faces felony charges. Per legal protocol, the individual will undergo an arraignment in family court.
Details surrounding the incident remain scarce as authorities continue to investigate the matter. Newport Police have emphasized that this is an ongoing investigation, and as such, they are not in a position to provide further information at this time.
Update: While Newport Fire Department personnel were performing life-saving measures on the 2-month-old child during a rescue, a large unruly crowd began to form, leading to a physical altercation. Newport Police Department officers intervened to break up the altercation, during which one officer was punched in the face. Due to the size of the crowd and its unruliness, no immediate arrests were made at the scene.
Newport Police Detectives are currently investigating the incident.
The Rhode Island State Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy on the infant.
Update 2: The 17-year-old juvenile was arraigned at Providence Family Court on the felony charge of Child Endangerment (RI General Law 11-9-5.4) and held at the Rhode Island Training School. He will be re-arrainged on this charge in Family Court later this month.
This story will be updated as details become available.
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