Family Friend Arrested After Infant Girl Dies

HAMMOND, Ind. (STNG) -- A family friend is in police custody Monday after an infant girl died Sunday. Authorities said the bruises were found on the baby's body and reportedly suffered blunt force trauma.

Savannah Fullgraf, 17-months, of 1204 Lakeview Ave., was pronounced dead at 5:23 a.m. Sunday at University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. An autopsy is scheduled for later Monday.

According to authorities, Savannah reportedly suffered blunt trauma to an unidentified part of her body at her home.

Hammond Police Lt. Richard Hoyda said authorities received a call reporting a 17-month old girl having breathing problems about 9 p.m. Saturday at the Lakeview address. Paramedics found the baby unresponsive and transported her to Saint Margaret Mercy Hospital in Hammond before she was taken to the Comer Children’s Hospital.

Bruises were found on the baby’s body, but it has not been determined if the bruising contributed to her death.

A 28-year-old man, identified as a family friend, suspected of possible child neglect was arrested at Saint Margaret Mercy Hospital Saturday night. The suspect may have possible been an occasional caregiver for Savannah, Hoyda said. Charges against the man will probably be filed after the completion of the autopsy.

Though the Lakeview Avenue residence has a Whiting, Ind. mailing address, Hammond, Ind. police are investigating, according to a Whiting police dispatcher.

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