Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

By Tatiana Pina, Amanda Milkovits and Donita Naylor
Journal staff writers

NEWPORT -- The six-week-old baby girl who suffered a fractured skull and ribs has died, the Newport police said.

The girl, who was admitted Tuesday to Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, died at 12:01 p.m. today, said Newport police Sgt. John Barker. She had been on life support.

"The passing was not unexpected," Barker said.

The baby's father, Rachin McCoy, 21, has been charged with first-degree child abuse. His bail was set at $500,000 with surety on that charge, and he was ordered held without bail as an alleged probation violator.

"It's definitely a homicide investigation at this time," Barker said.

McCoy told Detectives Kevin P. Sullivan and James Evan Hazel that the baby's injuries were caused by "falling off the couch" of his home in the Festival Field Apartments at 90 Girard Ave. But the nature of the injuries did not support that, Barker said.

Barker said the body will go to the state Medical Examiner's Office, which will investigate the full extent of the baby's injuries and "be much more specific as to the cause of death," he said.

The police have not released the baby's name, saying it is department policy not to name a victim. The baby's mother has not been charged. The police haven't released her name either.

 Tags  child abuse Hasbro Children's Hospital homicide Newport

Comments

K said:

I'm just so sorry for the family's loss

Link | January 30, 2009 1:53 PM
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Joy said:

Anyone who can hurt a child deserves to be punished to the fullest.. How could this man do this to this innocent little life.. So sad!!!

Link | January 30, 2009 2:16 PM
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Marcus said:

Isn't it a shame that such a coward cannot be put to death in our faire state ??? Isn't it wonderful to have legislators that think such a horrible crime doesn't warrant the ultimate penalty ???

Link | January 30, 2009 10:11 PM
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Amy said:

This is so sad. God Bless this family who cherished this baby girl. How can someone, never mind a parent, do this to a precious, tiny little baby, your own flesh & blood. I hope this family finds the strength to go on. And may this guy rot in jail.

Link | January 31, 2009 1:47 AM
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m said:

God Bless you lil angel! RIP!

Link | January 31, 2009 5:50 AM
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Mary said:

If this Mr. McCoy actually abused the child, he should just admit it and get it over with. Then throw him in the ACI and close your eyes and ears. The inmates will gladly take care of him. My prayers go out to the mother and family for their little angel taken back to heaven and away from them.

Link | January 31, 2009 7:36 AM
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April Donahue said:

It is situations such as this that Rhode Island lawmakers need to rethink not having a death penalty alternative. Many prayers to the mother.

Link | January 31, 2009 6:17 PM
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