The investigation into the death of a baby in hospital after suffering injuries in suspicious circumstances in 2009 is being referred to the Coroner.
Waikato District Crime Services Manager, Detective Inspector Chris Page, said an intensive investigation launched into the death of 22-month-old Hail-Sage McClutchie had not conclusively shown any degree of criminal offending that caused or contributed to the death.
Hail-Sage died in Waikato Hospital on 27 September 2009 after she had been taken there from a Morrinsville home by ambulance suffering from severe head injuries.
"This case has been peer reviewed and forensic experts have been consulted both within New Zealand and overseas however the conclusions remain the same."
Mr Page said while comparisons had been made in the media in relation to other high profile infant homicides this was not the case with the investigation into Hail-Sage's death.
"Unlike the other cases we have received the co-operation of both sides of the family involved in this tragedy and we will continue to work closely with them so we can discover what has occurred to help bring the family closure."
"The matter will now be referred to the Coroner to determine a cause of Hail-sage's death."
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