A 5-month-old child who was found unresponsive at an in-home day care has died.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office says they were called to the home in the 7900 block of Truman Cove in northwest Austin around 8:35 a.m. The baby died a short time later. The child’s family has been notified.
Other parents began arriving at the cul-de-sac to pick up their children. Sheriff Robert Chody said a criminal investigation is underway.
“It’s not natural for a 5-month-old child to be dead from reasons unknown,” he said, “Whatever it is, we need to find out.”
Authorities did not elaborate on what happened to the child before he or she became unresponsive. A deputy and medics performed CPR on the child for an hour before the baby died.
Chody said the parents are shocked and grieving. “I talked to the parents of the young child, obviously they’re distraught. I don’t blame them.”
Chody would not answer when asked if the child was a boy or girl. “I’d prefer not to say at this time to respect the mother’s wish at this point.”
Records from the Health and Human Services Commission shows the day care on Truman Cove has a permit that was issued on June 13, 2012.
A spokesperson for the agency said the child care provider has not been involved with any previous investigations. She is allowed to take care of up to three children who are not related to her.
He says the next step for other parents is to find alternative childcare until the investigation is complete.
The state has more than 3,500 in-home day care businesses that are not inspected unless a report is received alleging abuse or neglect or if there is an immediate risk to a child.
