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The Family Department of the island has been probing the circumstances surrounding the death of a baby in Las Piedras for the past three weeks. This investigation is being conducted by the Special Investigations Unit of the Families and Children Administration (known as ADFAN in Spanish), following an incident that transpired in September. Attorney Nicole Báez Ortiz, the head of ADFAN, confirmed on Tuesday that the agency is collaborating closely with local authorities to unravel this tragic situation.
“At ADFAN, our main goal is to ensure a thorough investigation,” Báez Ortiz stated in a formal release. “Every single life is worthy of our utmost effort, and we pledge to work together to achieve justice.”
Family Secretary Ciení Rodríguez Troche also shared her dismay regarding the rise in cases of child abuse on the island. “It breaks my heart and frustrates me to see what is happening to our children,” she commented. “I encourage those facing challenging circumstances to think about voluntary surrender or adoption as responsible choices.”
The Family Department is calling on the public to report instances of abuse or neglect via the confidential Abuse Line at 787-749-1333.
Meanwhile, the Puerto Rico Police Department is treating the death of a five-month-old baby, Leah Coral Cuevas Hernández, as a homicide. This tragic event occurred on September 24 at a home on Luis Muñoz Rivera Street in the Cerrito area of Las Piedras.
Reports indicate that authorities were alerted to a medical emergency through a 9-1-1 call. Upon reaching the location, police found that the family had already taken the infant to a local diagnostic and treatment facility. Unfortunately, the attending doctor confirmed that the baby had arrived without vital signs. No obvious signs of violence were present, and it remained unclear whether any pre-existing health issues existed.
The Institute of Forensic Sciences determined that the infant’s death was due to severe head trauma.
Officer Joel de Jesús, under the supervision of Sergeant Orlando Torres, is continuing to work on the investigation alongside prosecutors Miguel Hornero and Paola García.
The police are asking the community to share any information related to the case by reaching out at 787-343-2020 or through social media at @PRPDNoticias on X and at www.facebook/prpdgov.
