Foul play said not likely in baby’s death
DSS thinks sleeping mother rolled onto boy
The death of a 15-month-old boy Sunday was most likely caused by his mother’s rolling over onto him in bed, a Department of Social Services official said yesterday.
“The case is still under investigation,” spokeswoman Denise Monteiro said. “But I’m looking at this case with sadness for the mother because this has happened to her before.”
Ms. Monteiro said the mother, who has not been identified by authorities, lost a 6-week-old baby in 1992 after the infant developed a terminal medical condition.
“It was an unfortunate, tragic event that you don’t wish on anyone once in their life,” Ms. Monteiro said. “When I read about the current case, I said, ‘Not again.’ ”
She emphasized that the investigation by District Attorney John J. Conte’s office is not yet complete. The office investigates all children’s deaths and does not imply wrongdoing in the case.
Ms. Monteiro said the department has been involved with the family because of a bitter custody battle between the father, Venel Danger of Leominster, and the mother. The two have other children.
“I can’t go into it but it’s horrible between them,” she said.
Rescue units were called to 274 Beech St. Apt. 2 because the child was not breathing. Deputy Fire Chief James J. Belliveau said rescue personnel were sent at 9:40 a.m. Sunday.
The operator who took the call stayed on the line and gave the caller instructions on performing CPR, Deputy Chief Belliveau said. A police officer, who was the first to arrive, began CPR and was assisted by a fire engine company and paramedics, he said.
The boy was taken to UMass Memorial — HealthAlliance Leominster Campus, where he was pronounced dead, Deputy Chief Belliveau said.
“My heart goes out to this woman,” Ms. Monteiro said. She added that four infant deaths have been reported in the past three months involving mothers rolling over onto their children, and she cited the danger involved in having an infant sleeping in bed with adults.
“It’s dangerous. I wish people would just stop doing it,” she said.