Wednesday, 26 September 2007 - 2:56pm |
National News

Baby's Death Non-Accidental, Say Police:

1 min read

Counties Manukau Police investigating the death of a 10 month old baby girl say they are treating the enquiry as suspicious.

Detective Senior Sergeant Sue SCHWALGER the officer in charge of the enquiry says police began investigating the girl's injuries after being notified by medical staff at Starship Hospital at the weekend.

"The victim was taken to Middlemore Hospital by ambulance just before noon on Sunday 23 September 2007 before being transferred to Starship Hospital where she later died," Sue SCHWALGER said.

"A post mortem examination was conducted yesterday with a preliminary result of death being due to a non accidental brain injury. We have yet to fully determine the circumstances surrounding the baby's death."

Police today released the name of the 10 month old victim. She is:

TE AWA/ Jyniah [pro - Gin Ear] Mary

DOB 23/11/06 - Age 10 months

Resident of Manurewa.

"Jyniah's body has been released to the family this morning. Forensic and technical examinations are currently being carried out at two addresses. One is in Shifnal Drive and the other in Burbank Avenue. Both are in Manurewa."

"Our ongoing investigation is centred on these two residential addresses. Those persons who were at these addresses are being interviewed. Family members and others linked to this enquiry are fully cooperating and assisting Police at this time. This is a very difficult and sad time for all those involved," Detective Sue Schwalger said.