The Columbus Division of Police is currently investigating the death of a young child who suffered fatal burns from hot water in the Franklinton neighborhood yesterday morning. According to WBNS, officers were called to an apartment complex on the 900 block of Eaton Avenue near Harmon Avenue around 7:40 a.m. after receiving reports of a non-responsive child.
Upon arrival, the child was transported to Nationwide Children's Hospital and pronounced dead at 8:18 a.m. The young victim was four years old, although the authorities have disclosed no details regarding their gender. The child's mother was initially detained but was later released. The Columbus Police Homicide Unit is still looking into the incident, which is believed to be accidental at this time, as reported by NBC4i.
The specific circumstances that led to the child being burned have yet to be clarified. "Due to the circumstances surrounding this incident, the Columbus Police Homicide Unit is investigating this incident," CPD stated in an incident report. Residents in the area were understandably shocked, with neighbor Latrice Edgington expressing her dismay to FOX28 News, saying, "It was just really sad. I saw the police, the medics and everything. They brought the child out in a gray blanket. It was just really sad seeing him like that."
Franklin County Children Services is also involved, working with the child's family following the tragic event. As of now, there are no arrests connected to the case. Anyone with information about this somber occurrence is urged to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477. The community waits, hoping for answers and preventing similar future tragedies.
