AKRON, Ohio – The woman that had been caring for a 23-month-old Summit County girl who died after being found unresponsive last week has been charged with murder, Fox 8 News reports.
Tiffani Calise, 21, initially was arrested for felony child endangering. After reviewing medical records and conducting interviews, however, Calise was charged with murder.
Calise was booked into the Summit County Jail, and her 3-year-old daughter was removed from her custody and placed in the care of immediate family.
The toddler, 23-month-old Aaliyah Ali, of Green, was found unresponsive by Calise on Aug. 10 and pronounced dead at Akron Children’s Hospital two days later.
Calise called paramedics on Aug. 10 claiming that the baby was no longer breathing.
“The babysitter claimed she went to get something out of the closet and left the victim in the bathtub. She heard some noises when she came back the child was limp, she then called 911,” said Summit County Sheriff Deputy William Holland.
Deputies say after the baby was taken to Akron Children’s Hospital they learned the toddler’s injuries were inconsistent with the babysitter’s story.
According to deputies, the child had bleeding on her skull and head injuries. Investigators will not say how the injuries were sustained.
“She used to watch my own kids. She would never, I could never picture her hurting someone or anyone’s child,” said Jackie Miller.
Neighbor Randy Street said, “You never like to see a little child get hurt, especially with the accusations that have been made. It is devastating. I have two little girls of my own. When I found out, I kissed my little girls,” said Street.
Article courtesy of: fox8.com
