A New Jersey couple is facing serious charges after allegedly causing the death of their three-month-old daughter, with medical experts comparing the injuries to those from a severe car crash.
Reuben Santiago, 36, and Caitlyn M. Gibson, 28, were indicted on Wednesday for the murder of their infant, whose name has not been released by Ocean County authorities.
They were initially taken into custody on May 7, just a day after the baby was taken to the hospital.
On May 5, the couple made a 911 call at around 7:20 PM regarding their unresponsive child, who had been struggling to breathe.
The baby girl was quickly hospitalized, where doctors found she had a cerebral hemorrhage, seven broken ribs, and a broken wrist.
Tragically, she passed away the following morning.
While at the hospital, police interviewed the parents, who mentioned that the baby had been vomiting and experiencing diarrhea starting on May 3. According to prosecutors, they brought her in for treatment on May 4 and were released after IV fluids were administered.
Santiago recounted that he changed the baby’s diaper between 6 and 7 PM on May 5, and noticed her limp condition around 7:20 PM.
Her death was ruled a homicide due to blunt force trauma to her head and various fractures, including to her skull, as well as a subdural hematoma.
Santiago initially claimed that he accidentally dropped a glass bottle on her head. However, his story shifted; he later told investigators that the baby had slipped from his hold. He also suggested that she might have struck her head on a metal guard or a TV stand.
Medical experts indicated the infant had suffered catastrophic injuries, likening the force to that of a serious car accident, according to the affidavit.
As of now, both Gibson and Santiago remain in custody, awaiting trial dates that have yet to be scheduled.
