BOSTON (WHDH) - The Essex District Attorney’s Office is conducting investigations into the deaths of three Department of Children and Families-involved babies, officials confirmed Thursday.
A spokeswoman confirmed the investigations in a statement that noted Essex District Attorney Jonathan D. Blodgett’s Office investigates all unattended and unexpected deaths regardless of whether or not it’s criminal.
On April 18, state troopers assigned to Blodgett’s Office were notified of the death of a 4-week-old baby boy in Haverhill who had an open DCF case at the time of his death.
On April 25, state troopers learned of the death of a 3-month-old boy in foster care in Methuen. The baby, who was found unresponsive, was taken to Holy Family Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Then, on Sunday, troopers launched an investigation into the death of a 15-month-old girl who was in foster care. The baby was taken to Lawrence General Hospital and pronounced dead.
Jeremy Barrientos, the girl’s biological father, says he was shocked when state workers informed him of his daughter’s death.
“They said she had an ‘on-and-off fever’ from Friday,” he told 7NEWS.
Barrientos says he was unable to care for the girl because he was in jail and her biological mother was incapable.
“I expect that they are taking care of the kids and keeping them safe,” he said. “Nobody is giving me answers.”
The DA’s office says is also investigating the deaths of two babies that do not include DCF involvement.
The office is awaiting findings of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for all of the cases.
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