The death of 11-month-old Jezeli Maribel from the Bronx has been ruled a homicide following an investigation into her drowning last summer. The incident occurred on August 14 in her family's apartment in Crotona Park. Detectives are now working to determine the circumstances that led to her death and identify those responsible.
The Daily News reported that the incident occurred on West Farms Road, with police and emergency services called to the scene around 7:40 p.m. after the child's mother, Victoria, was seen seeking help with her lifeless daughter in her arms. Neighbor Frank DeJesus described how he and others tried to help, performing CPR on Jezeli as instructed by a 911 operator. Unfortunately, the child remained unresponsive and later died at NYC Health and Hospitals Lincoln, according to officials.
It has taken a full three months for the medical examiner to classify the drowning as a homicide. As of yet, no arrests have been made in connection to the case. Police sources have suggested that they are investigating if the child was left unattended in the bathtub, according to statements made to NBC New York. Prior to the incident, the family had no record of contact with law enforcement or the Administration for Children's Services.
