Homicide investigation launched in Waikato after 10-month-old baby dies in hospital from blunt-force trauma

A homicide investigation has been launched after the death of a baby in Waikato this weekend.

Police detective inspector Graham Pitkethley said a 10-month-old boy was brought in an unconscious state to Te Kūiti Hospital on Saturday afternoon, where staff alerted police.

“Tragically, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, he was unable to be resuscitated,” Pitkethley said.

An initial examination showed the child suffered violent, blunt-force trauma.

“We believe these injuries were not accidental,” Pitkethley said.

Police said the full extent of the baby’s injuries would be determined by a post-mortem examination, but the result would not be known for some time.

“Police do not intend to release details of specific injuries at this time.”

Police have been speaking to family members of the boy after his death, including his parents.

“They are working with us as we establish what occurred in this young child’s life and how he came to be so badly injured.

“Over the coming days, police will be conducting a scene examination at a Te Kūiti address, which has been under police guard since Saturday afternoon,” Pitkethley said.

Police would be present in the town making inquiries over the coming days.

“The death of any child is a shock to the community, and we know many in Te Kūiti will be affected by this,” said Pitkethley.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to contact police via the 105 phone service and reference file number 240608/8263.