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Writer's pictureThe San Juan Daily Star

Family Dept. investigating case of a baby who died in Las Piedras



Nicole Báez Ortiz, head of the Families and Children Administration (Facebook via Family Department)

By The Star Staff


The island Family Department, through the Special Investigations Unit of the Families and Children Administration (ADFAN by its acronym in Spanish), has for three weeks been investigating the death of a baby in Las Piedras, which occurred in September. Attorney Nicole Báez Ortiz, administrator of ADFAN, confirmed on Tuesday that the agency is working closely with the authorities to solve the tragic case.


“Our priority at ADFAN is to ensure an exhaustive investigation,” Báez Ortiz said in a written statement. “Each life deserves all our effort, and we are committed to collaborating so that justice is done.”


Family Secretary Ciení Rodríguez Troche also expressed her frustration at the increase in cases of child abuse on the island. “Seeing what is happening to our babies breaks my heart and frustrates me,” she said. “I urge people in difficult situations to consider voluntary surrender or adoption as responsible alternatives.”


The Family Department urges citizens to report cases of abuse or neglect through the Abuse Line at 787-749-1333, which is confidential.


The Puerto Rico Police Bureau, meanwhile, is investigating as a homicide the death of a five-month-old infant, identified as Leah Coral Cuevas Hernández, which occurred on Sept. 24 at a residence on Luis Muñoz Rivera Street in the urban Cerrito sector of ​​Las Piedras.


According to reports, a call to the 9-1-1 Emergency System alerted authorities about a medical case. When police agents arrived, the family had already transferred the infant to the local diagnostic and treatment center, where the doctor on duty declared that the girl had arrived without vital signs. There were no visible signs of violence, and it was unknown if the infant suffered from any health condition.


The Institute of Forensic Sciences later certified that the cause of death was severe head trauma.


Officer Joel de Jesús, supervised by Sergeant Orlando Torres, along with prosecutors Miguel Hornero and Paola García, are continuing the investigation.


The police urge the public to provide information related to the case by calling 787-343-2020 or through social media at @PRPDNoticias on X and at www.facebook/prpdgov.

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