The recent death of Jazeli Mirabal is the third infant homicide in New York City this summer.
The tragic drowning death of 11-month-old Jazeli Mirabal in the Bronx has been officially classified as a homicide by the New York City medical examiner’s office. This incident occurred in the Crotona Park East neighborhood on August 14, where Jazeli was found unconscious and unresponsive in a home. Despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at Lincoln Hospital.
The medical examiner’s office confirmed that drowning was the cause of Jazeli’s death. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation into this tragic event is ongoing. This heartbreaking incident is one of three infant deaths in the city this summer that have been classified as homicides, raising concerns about child welfare and safety in the community.
In a recent case, the death of a 4-month-old boy in the Bronx in August was attributed to acute cocaine intoxication and ruled as a homicide. Additionally, another infant’s death was also determined to be a homicide. This pattern of infant deaths being labeled as homicides has drawn attention to the issue of child neglect, abuse, and abandonment.
Stephanie Gendell, a spokesperson for the city’s Administration for Children’s Services (A.C.S.), stated that the timing of these homicide rulings for infant deaths is likely coincidental and not a result of a deliberate reinvestigation effort. The medical examiner’s office typically takes several months to complete its investigations, and these cases happened to be finalized around the same time.
A.C.S. is actively involved in investigating any child fatalities involving neglect or abuse. In Jazeli’s case, they are working closely with the police and the medical examiner’s office to ensure a thorough investigation. While details about Jazeli’s family history with the agency have not been disclosed, A.C.S. is committed to protecting the well-being of children in the community.
Following the incident, a neighbor, Frank DeJesus, recounted hearing Jazeli’s mother’s distress and finding the child being held by another neighbor in their apartment building hallway. Neighbors attempted CPR on Jazeli, who was described as appearing purple and cold to the touch.
The tragic death of Jazeli Mirabal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of child safety and welfare in our communities. It is essential for authorities, caregivers, and community members to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
Source: The NY Times
