PD: 3 Phoenix children reported dead in one morning, another dead in Chandler
PHOENIX - Phoenix detectives are investigating after three children were found dead in separate incidents in the span of one hour Sunday morning.
A baby in Chandler also died, the police department said.
In each case, a child was found not breathing in the following locations and times on March 19:
- Ocotillo and Gilbert roads, Chandler - 5 a.m.
- 55th Avenue and McDowell Road - 5:30 a.m.
- 29th Street and Virginia Avenue - 5:30 a.m.
- 24th Street and Broadway Road - 6:30 a.m.
In the Broadway Road case, an infant died after being rushed to the hospital.
The child found in west Phoenix also died at the hospital, and the child involved in the last case died at the scene.
Police said the incidents are not related to drownings.
The investigation is still in its early stages, but their deaths do not appear suspicious, according to Sgt. Robert Scherer with Phoenix PD.
"Ruling foul play out completely wouldn’t be the right thing at this time," Scherer said. "However I can tell you that neither of these cases have elements that would be suspicious to investigators."
The cause of death in each case will be determined by the medical examiner's office.
Chandler infant death
In Chandler, Det. Eva Zermeño says a 5-month-old baby was rushed to the hospital but died around 5 a.m. on March 19.
"As in any death investigation, we don’t determine the cause of death. Our detectives investigated to see if there was anything criminal that we don’t appear there was at this time. The medical examiner’s office determines the cause of death," she said.
Car wash fundraiser held for one of the babies
A car wash fundraiser was held over the course of several days to raise money to support the family of baby Aminah Myla Rose Silva.
The deaths remain unexplained and police have said to their knowledge the deaths aren't related.
The Silva family, of course, is heartbroken over their loss.
"How well can you do losing a 2-month-old baby, you know?" Samantha Silva, Aminah's aunt said. "The baby was in her crib they had woken up, and she wasn't breathing so that was sad waking up to your baby not breathing in their crib alone."
You can donate to the GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/3d3c368e