New Jersey parents charged in connection with the beating death of their 3-month-old daughter.

Authorities in New Jersey have arrested the parents of a three-month-old infant in connection with her tragic death, which has been ruled a homicide due to blunt force trauma. Ruben Santiago and Caitlin Gibson, residents of Lakewood, face charges of first-degree murder as announced by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

The incident unfolded on Monday evening when Lakewood police responded to a call at the couple’s residence on Pinehurst Drive at approximately 7:20 p.m. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers discovered the infant unresponsive and immediately attempted life-saving measures until emergency medical services (EMS) arrived on the scene. The baby was subsequently transported to a local hospital and later transferred to an intensive care unit, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries the following day.

An autopsy conducted later revealed that the infant had suffered blunt force trauma, which resulted in significant head injuries, including a fractured skull and brain bleeding attributed to repeated blows to the head. These findings have led investigators to conclude that both parents were responsible for the child’s death, though authorities have not disclosed additional specifics regarding the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse.

Investigators continued to gather evidence following the incident, which culminated in the arrest of Santiago and Gibson on Wednesday. Both were presented before a judge for their initial court appearance the following day. During the proceedings, neither parent spoke, and they were ordered to remain in Ocean County Jail. Their next court date is scheduled for Tuesday.

This disturbing case has drawn considerable attention to child welfare issues and the responsibilities of parents towards their vulnerable dependents. It highlights the necessity of vigilance from both the community and social services to prevent such tragedies. The prosecution has yet to reveal how Santiago and Gibson will attempt to defend against these serious allegations. The ongoing investigation may yield further details in the coming days.

Media News Source will continue to follow this story as it develops, providing updates on both the legal proceedings and the broader implications for child safety and protection in New Jersey.