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Salem infant who died was often abused, coroner says
TweetBy D.A. WILKINSON
SALEM
The autopsy report on a 7-month-old boy reveals a pattern of abuse.
On Tuesday, Columbiana County Coroner Dr. William Graham Jr. declared the death of Derek A. Dennison a homicide.
Dr. Graham said an autopsy performed at the Cuyahoga County coroner’s office revealed the infant had skull fractures and broken ribs indicating “there was a period of two weeks that the boy was mistreated.”
The last blows were on the day of the infant’s death, he said.
Tim McNicol, an assistant county prosecutor, and Dr. Graham agreed there were no injuries that could have occurred naturally to a child that age.
“The injuries were extensive,” said Salem Police Detective David Talbert. “Some ribs had healed and been re-broken.”
Dr. Graham said that a break in the child’s rib cage punctured a liner around the infant’s liver and resulted in internal bleeding.
The Cuyahoga County autopsy states that there were fractures to the bones that form the side and the roof of the cranium.
Dr. Graham said he has not yet totaled the number of injuries to the infant.
Because Columbiana County has no forensic pathologist to perform autopsies, it contracts with the Cuyahoga County coroner for autopsy services.
Talbert called the boy’s death “a sickening crime. ... It’s the worst I’ve ever been involved with.”
Talbert continues to investigate the death of Derek, who died at Salem Community Hospital’s emergency room about 12:38 a.m. July 23.
Derek had been taken to the hospital by his mother, Miranda Todd of North Ellsworth Avenue.
Efforts to revive the child failed.
No charges have been filed in the case, but McNicol, who handles crimes against children, said Thursday he expects “an arrest soon.”
“The investigation remains very active,” he added.
Authorities said a woman and a man were in the mother’s apartment before the boy was taken to the hospital, but they have not released information about them.
Comments
7 month old and broken ribs ! Sick people. How on God's earth do people get these abusive rages? Put them all in the Pen for life!
This is so horribly sad. I have always said children, old folks and animals are so vunerable because they cannot defend themselves. Whoever did this to this child...obviously, it happened more than once since there were healed broken bones...deserves the same treatment. That would be physical abuse until they died. I just cannot even begin to comprehend such horror this little innocent child endured. My heart breaks for this child and all others who are abused and have no defense. It makes me wonder how many people who associated with this child knew of this horror and didn't report it. We hate to get involved and isn't that so sad!!! Let us become more aware and report suspected abuse. Let the authorities be the ones to determine abuse. I know this little one is with Jesus and having a beautiful life now.
R.I.P. LIL MAN
Why? What reason would someone have to do this. None whatsoever.
All those involved should be given the same treatment so they can see and feel the pain. They are animals and should be put in a cage for the rest of their miserable lives. Better yet, the death penalty.
this is sickening. it breaks my heart to read this. rest in peace little angel, nobody can hurt you now.
Sick motherf--kers. Death penalty would be too good for the scumbag douches that did this.
Can you imagine the little guy's fear as mommy and daddy hurt him?
People that do this have no soul.
Execute them both!!
This is such a sad situation. Poor little thing. I wonder if the people who did this to him were also abused as children themselves. It is heartbreaking.
It is possible the injuries resulted from dropping the child on the floor or against the crib. I wouldn't be surprised if the "adults" were abusing drugs and/or alcohol and were just plain stupid in not getting their child treatment. Unfortunately, you don't need to take a test to be a parent. The drug-addled brain is a dangerous thing.
Walter if you read the article again it says he was abused over 2 weeks. That means there were previous injuries that started to heal before he was abused again and they can see that on the autopsy. I am just at a loss for words.. I do not understand how a human being can do that to an innocent baby.