Lakewood, NJ – A 36-year-old father and 28-year-old mother in New Jersey have been indicted for murder following the death of their 3-month-old daughter, whose injuries were described as comparable to a significant motor vehicle crash, authorities said.
The grand jury returned a true bill of indictment last week, charging Ruben Santiago and Caitlin M. Gibson with one count each of murder, after investigators determined the infant suffered fatal trauma earlier this year.
Emergency Response and Fatal Injuries
Police with the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to a residence on Pinehurst Drive at approximately 7:20 p.m. on May 5 following a report that the infant was having difficulty breathing.
Upon arrival, officers found the 3-month-old unresponsive. Emergency medical personnel began lifesaving procedures before transporting the infant to Ocean University Medical Center in Brick Township. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was later transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.
Tragically, the infant succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead on May 6. The Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head causing fracturing and subdural hematoma, officially ruling the death a homicide.
Evidence and Arrests
Authorities said their investigation uncovered evidence confirming that Santiago and Gibson were responsible for the child’s death. Both parents were arrested on May 7 at Lakewood Township Police Headquarters and have been held without bond at the Ocean County Jail since that time.
Court documents revealed the infant also suffered seven broken ribs and a fractured wrist in various stages of healing, indicating a history of physical abuse. The medical examiner described the injuries as “devastating”, similar to trauma sustained from substantial force such as a severe motor vehicle crash.
Parents’ Accounts and Investigation
At the hospital, the parents reportedly told investigators that their daughter had experienced diarrhea and intermittent vomiting for several days and had even been treated with IV fluids the day before the fatal incident.
On the night of May 5, Santiago claimed he changed the baby’s diaper and put her down at about 7 p.m., with Gibson discovering her unresponsive about 20 minutes later.
Investigators said Gibson refused to speak, while Santiago offered multiple explanations for the infant’s injuries, including:
- Dropping a glass bottle on her head
- Dropping her while crouching
- Dropping her while standing
- Infant striking her head on a TV stand or the support beam of a bouncer
None of Santiago’s accounts aligned with the evidence collected by authorities.
Legal Proceedings
Santiago and Gibson currently face murder charges along with additional evidence of prior physical abuse. It was not immediately clear when they are scheduled to appear in court for their first hearings following the indictment.
The severity of this case highlights the dangers of child abuse and the importance of timely intervention. Share your thoughts on this case in the comments below.
