An eight month old baby boy admitted to Waikato Hospital with head injuries over the weekend, and later moved to Starship Hospital in Auckland, has died overnight.
Detective Inspector Karl Thornton, Acting Waikato District Crime Manager, said “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family at present. We have a substantial number of enquiries to complete before we can establish exactly what has occurred.
We are continuing with a scene examination today and speaking to a number of people in relation to what happened prior to the baby being admitted to Waikato Hospital on Sunday.”
A post mortem will be conducted today in Auckland.
A 33 year old man who was charged with assaulting the child was remanded in custody on Monday 16 June and will reappear in the Hamilton District Court again today. The man was granted interim name suppression by the Court.
“We are awaiting the results of forensic examinations and witness interviews before any decision can be made in relation to any potential further charges, if any” added Mr Thornton.
As this matter is currently before the Courts, Police are unable to provide any further detail at this stage.
The family are being supported by Police staff.
End
Issued by Mere Wilson Tuala-Fata, Senior Media Advisor, PNHQ.