NEW YORK — A one-month-old infant was discovered lifeless in the West Brighton Houses in Staten Island on Saturday morning, leading to the arrest of the child’s parents on charges of reckless endangerment. The infant showed visible signs of physical harm, particularly on the left arm, according to law enforcement officials.
Emergency medical services were immediately called to the scene and transported the baby to Richmond University Medical Center. Despite efforts to save the child’s life, the infant was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
The New York Police Department has identified the parents as Leonard Lightfoot, 38, and Jenice Lightfoot, 36. Both have been charged with first- and second-degree reckless endangerment. They are believed to be the parents of the deceased infant.
Law enforcement sources suggest that the injuries found on the baby’s left arm may indicate a potential case of child abuse, but the exact cause of death is yet to be determined. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct further investigations to establish the cause of death.
The tragic discovery of the lifeless infant around 6:45 a.m. on Saturday has prompted concerns about child safety and the prevalence of child abuse in the community. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the need for vigilance and the importance of reporting any signs of child abuse to the authorities.
The investigation is still ongoing, with authorities dedicated to unraveling the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.