NCJ Number
190579
Journal
Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2000 Pages: 188-191
Date Published
December 2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses forensic investigations into sudden unexpected death of children.
Abstract
The article reviewed the case of a 9-week-old baby found dead inside the pram where he had been left overnight. Initial assessment of the event by a paramedic unit seemed to indicate foul play, based on the presence of a prominent linear pressure mark on the child's scalp and face. Thorough police and medicolegal investigation disclosed that the death resulted from accidental positional asphyxia related to a faulty mechanism of the pram. In this case, the infant had been left unattended and unrestrained inside the pram, an act that had the potential to result in death. In addition, the pram was faulty due to wear and tear, which exacerbated the risk of mishap. Nevertheless, when the court was presented with all the medicolegal, police, and National Institute of Standards investigations data, the incident was ruled as misadventure and not as neglect. The article recommended that, when examining sudden unexpected death of children, forensic investigators should be aware of the potential hazards associated with baby accessories. The investigation should include a comprehensive examination of the child's accessories that could be a contributing factor in the event. Figures, references