While baby's death certificate reads "homicide," no charges filed yet; family still seeking answers
Story Created:
Nov 16, 2011 at 6:51 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Nov 16, 2011 at 7:13 PM EDT
HERKIMER, N.Y. (WKTV) - Thirteen-month-old William Allen's death certificate says he died of blunt force head trauma, including a skull fracture and brain hemorrhage, with the manner of death reading "homicide."
Yet, no one is charged with the death of the baby, who was injured August 25, then died in his father's arms at Albany Medical Center September 2.
"I would like to have answers to the question of what happened to him and why, because they said it was too critical to be an accident from falling backwards," says father James Allen.
The baby was not in his parents' care when he was injured. James Allen says the couple caring for the child at the time said he threw a tantrum and had fallen backward, hitting his head on the floor.
Grandmother Kim Allen has been leading the family's quest for answers.
"We were told by physicians and medical personnel exactly what his injuries were, the extent of those injuries, but the 'how' is still a question. We don't have an answer and with the holidays approaching, it's not an easy time for us right now," says Kim Allen.
Jeffrey Carpenter, of the Herkimer County District Attorney's Office, says his office and Herkimer Village Police are still investigating, and have not yet reached a conclusion as to whether or not the case will be put to a grand jury for possible indictment, or whether anyone will be arrested for the child's death.
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