Newport Police Department is investigating an incident at Festival Field Housing Development that resulted in the death of a 2-month-old and the arrest of a 17-year-old.
Newport Police Department shared the following information on Friday morning;
On 4/11/24 at about 10:55 p.m., Newport Police Officers along with Newport Fire Department personnel responded to the Festival Field Housing Development for a report of an unresponsive 2-month-old child. The child was transported to the Newport Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Upon further investigation by Newport Police Detectives, a 17-year-old juvenile was taken into custody for felony delinquent charges which requires an arraignment in family court.
This is an on-going investigation and we do not have any further information at this time.
Update: Newport Police provided the following update at 11:29 am on Friday, April 12;
While Newport Fire Department personnel were in their rescue performing life saving measures on the 2-month-old child, a large unruly crowd began to form where a physical altercation broke out. While NPD officers attempted to break up the altercation, one officer was punched in the face. Due to the large unruly crowd, no immediate arrests were made at the scene. Newport Police Detectives are investigating this incident.
The Rhode Island State Medical Examiners Office will be performing an autopsy on the infant.
This incident still remains under investigation.
Update: Newport police provided the following update at 2:18 pm;
The 17-year-old juvenile was arraigned at Providence Family Court on the felony charge of Child Endangerment (RI General Law 11-9-5.4) and held at the Rhode Island Training School. He will be re-arrainged on this charge in Family Court later this month.
This incident still remains under investigation
