The 5-year-old aunt had decided to give the 1-year-old baby girl a bath, but accidentally dropped her while removing her from her bed. She suffered a devastating head injury, according to police
A 1-year-old baby girl has tragically died after being left home alone with her five-year-old aunt while her teenage mum went to work. The girl, named Jalen Victoria, was left at home with her aunt by her 16-year-old mum, who claimed she had no option but to leave her with her younger sister.
The five-year-old had then decided to bath the baby, but accidentally dropped her while removing her from her bed. During the fall, the baby suffered a head injury and stopped moving.
Realising the injury, the child had tried to seek help by raising the alarm with neighbours, and placed the baby in a little chair which she dragged through the streets.
Neighbours called the emergency services when they realised the child was not showing vital signs. Medics, however, were unable to help as attempts to revive the lifeless child were not successful. The incident took place in the town of Campoalegre in Huila province, Colombia, on June 2.
The Huila Police Department stated: “The situation was reported by the community of the San Carlos neighbourhood when a five-year-old girl was seen carrying the younger child in a chair, seemingly on her way to a healthcare centre.
“Immediately, a patrol unit arrived at the scene to provide assistance and activate the emergency response protocol.
“According to preliminary information, the minors were reportedly left alone in the house without adult supervision. For this reason, an investigation is underway to establish precisely the circumstances of time, manner, and place, as well as to determine any possible responsibilities on the part of the parents or caregivers.” The results of an autopsy are still pending.
The horrific incident comes as a two-year-old boy is feared dead after police believe he might have been thrown into a river by his dad.
Montrell Williams disappeared on May 9 after a visit with his dad, but the next day, a row erupted between the father and the grandmother, with whom the child was residing. Authorities believe the unidentified dad took off with Williams and didn’t bring him back to the boy’s mum.
Williams’ grandmother said: “Me and him had a conflict. I’m in my room. My cousin told me that my son took the baby. I went downstairs to chase him. He was gone. From that day, I was trying to search for my grandson.”
On June 8, a month after the disappearance, Williams’ 17 -year-old mother claimed she confronted the 20-year-old father. He allegedly brandished a knife and confessed to throwing Williams into the river, according to police.
No criminal charges have been brought against the father as of yet. New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated on Tuesday: “We’re still unraveling exactly what happened. Were proper procedures followed? We’re still investigating all actions.
“The actions of the dad, the actions of officers who responded. And once we have a full understanding based on the detectives division, we’ll be able to answer what happened but right now our goal is find the child.”