Crime & Safety

Ruling In Death Of 4-Year-Old Released By Hillsborough Sheriff

Authorities say a Hillsborough County 4-year-old child suffered upper body trauma before dying.

WIMAUMA, FL — A medical examiner in Hillsborough County has ruled the death of a 4-year-old child a homicide, authorities said Wednesday.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office did not release a manner of death or identify the child, who was found dead around 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 20, in the 2500 block of Tee Time Road.

The child suffered upper body trauma, which led to their death, authorities said.

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RELATED: Child, 4, Found Dead In Wimauma: Hillsborough County Sheriff


Little information was known Thursday, and authorities did not say if anyone has been arrested in connection with the child's death.

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The Tampa Bay Times reported that the Florida Department of Children and Families database of state child deaths says that on Feb. 20 in Hillsborough County, a “4-year-old child was pronounced deceased after he was found unresponsive while playing outside unattended with a sibling.”

Authorities have not said if that state report is about the child who died in Wimauma.

“This is a heartbreaking case, and our detectives are working tirelessly to determine the events that led to this tragedy," Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a news release. “We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring anyone responsible is held fully accountable.”

The investigation remains active.

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