Death of 5-Month-Old Under Investigation by Authorities

The death of a 5-month-old boy who was found unresponsive in his crib this morning (Friday, March 25) is under investigation by the Lawrence Township Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.

The tragedy unfolded at 8:05 a.m. when authorities received a 911 call from a residence on Pretty Brook Road reporting that the infant was not breathing, said Lt. Charles Edgar, a township police spokesman.

“Hearing the nature of the call, numerous police officers – many of whom are parents themselves – proceeded immediately to the scene in an attempt to save the child,” Edgar said.

He said the boy had been found in his crib by a nanny and the nanny and the boy’s mother were in the process of performing CPR on him when officers and emergency medical crews arrived at the house, which is in the northernmost corner of Lawrence Township near the Princeton Township and Hopewell Township borders. 

Officers and medical personnel took over care and rushed the infant to University Medical Center at Princeton. Sadly, he said, the boy was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at the hospital.

Edgar said there is an “active ongoing investigation” surrounding the circumstances of the infant’s death. But he noted there is nothing suspicious to report at this time.

He said police are still interviewing the nanny and family members, but preliminary information is that the child was heard moving about in his crib about 5 a.m.

It is unclear at this time if the infant had any prior medical problems. An autopsy will be conducted on the boy by the Mercer County Medical Examiner’s Office, Edgar said.

“Obviously, the family is distraught,” he said. “It’s a tragic situation. They are dealing with a life-changing event right now. We are going to conduct a proper police investigation while respecting the family at this very difficult time.”