WASHINGTON — An 11-year-old girl has been charged in connection with the death of a 1-year-old baby boy who was left in her care, Prince George’s County police said Friday.
PGPD detectives were called around 3:25 p.m. Sunday to an area hospital on the report of an injured baby.
The baby was suffering from severe injuries to his upper body. The victim, identified as Paxton Davis, of SE D.C., died Thursday, police said.
Paxton was being babysat by his mother’s friend when the incident took place, police said.
Investigators said Paxton was left in the care of the 11-year-old’s adult family members at their home on Pearl Drive in Suitland on Saturday night. The girl's mother left the 11-year-old and the baby alone to run an errand on Sunday morning.
"The 11-year-old girl had sole care and custody of the 1-year-old and when our detectives interviewed her, she admitted that she assaulted Paxton and ultimately the injuries that she caused resulted in his death," said Maj. Brian Reilly, commander of PGPD's Criminal Investigation Division.
The girl was alone with the baby for a period of time before being taken to a hospital.
"When other family members came home, they found the child suffering injuries and somebody inside of the residence called 911," Reilly said.
Officials said they don't know the severity of Paxton’s injuries before he was taken a hospital.
Authorities said there is no relation between the girl and the baby.
The girl has been charged with first-degree child abuse of a baby who was left in her care. .
Reilly said he’s not aware of someone this young being charged with such a serious offense out of the homicide unit. He said the girl is being charged as a juvenile.
"I can't give you much more information because we're trying to deal with a unique situation involving a juvenile that’s been charged with first-degree child abuse resulting in the death of someone," Reilly said.
It's unclear why the adults left the children alone.
"I believe it’s 13 years old you have to be in the state of Maryland to watch another child, but I believe it’s 10 years old to be by yourself and obviously in this situation those ages don’t match up," Reilly said.
Authorities said the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office will determine if any further charges will be brought forth in the case.
In the meantime, the girl has been committed to a juvenile facility, police said.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call detectives 301-772-4925. Callers who want to remain anonymous can call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the P3 Tips mobile app (search P3 Tips in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.