5 Baby Deaths Under Investigation In Essex County

Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett announced Thursday his office is investigating the recent deaths of five babies, including three who were in the care of the state Department of Children and Families. In a statement, Blodgett said his office "investigates all unattended and unexpected deaths regardless of whether is it criminal or not."

Blodgett said the following deaths were under investigation:

• On April 18, a four-week old male baby died in Haverhill. There was an open DCF case involving the child when he died.
• On April 25, a three-month-old male died while in foster care in Methuen.
• On June 23, a 15-month-old female died while in foster care in Lawrence.

In all of the cases, the child was brought to the hospital after a call reporting an unresponsive baby. The DA's office is awaiting the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to rule on the cause and manner of death in all those cases.

The DA's office said it is also investigating at least two other baby deaths that did not have DCF involvement.