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Ridgecrest Police investigating suspicious baby death

Father told police he put baby in the closet
Posted at 9:49 PM, Nov 22, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-23 00:49:10-05

Ridgecrest Police are investigating the death of a seven-month-old baby earlier this month, after officers said the baby was placed in a closet for several hours. 

Police records obtained by 23ABC on Wednesday show police were called to a home on North Oasis Drive in Ridgecrest on Nov. 11 for a baby who had stopped breathing.

Based on the condition of the baby, officers determined the baby did not stop breathing recently, but had been dead for a period of time. The baby appeared to be dehydrated and had sunken eyes, according to officers.

According to court documents, the father had said "it was his fault." He said he put the baby in the closet because he was crying and being "difficult." 

Police said the mother discovered the baby hours later. She first told police they attempted CPR, but then she changed her story, and said the baby was found facedown in a blanket.

According to investigators, the mother called a friend to come over, who then observed the father "freaking out" and called 911. 

Police are still investigating the incident, and so far no charges have been filed against either parent.