Baby's death under investigation

TYLER COUNTY - by Steve Stewart/KJAS - A Child Protective Services representative says her agency, along with the Tyler County Sheriff's Department, are currently investigating the death of a 6 month old baby boy.

According to CPS spokeswoman Shari Pulliam, the baby was taken by ambulance on Friday from a home on Highway 92 near Spurger and transported to Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth in Beaumont, and later flown by helicopter to Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital in Houston. The child died at 9:00 on Monday morning in Houston.

According to Pulliam, an affidavit states that doctors in Beaumont identified a subdural hematoma to the side of the baby's head, but no marks or bruises were noted. However, Pulliam said doctors in Houston confirmed that the child's injuries were inflicted with adult force, and were the result of child abuse.

Three other children live in the home, ages 2, 10 and 12, and Pulliam says a court has granted custody to CPS and the children have been placed together in a foster home.

Pulliam says there has been no arrest in the case, and the investigation has just gotten underway.

Tyler County Sheriff David Hennigan told KFDM News his office is waiting for the Harris County Medical Examiner's office to release its official autopsy report before deciding how to proceed.  Once he gets the report the sheriff will consult with the Tyler County District Attorney's Office.