Lakewood Parents Charged in Infant’s Death
A Lakewood couple faces murder charges following the death of their 3-month-old daughter who suffered fatal injuries while in their care, authorities announced Thursday in a case that has shocked the Ocean County community.
Ruban Santiago, 36, and Caitlin M. Gibson, 28, were arrested Wednesday and are being held at the Ocean County Jail in Toms River pending a detention hearing, according to a statement from Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer’s office as reported by Patch.
Timeline of the Tragedy
The investigation began Monday evening when Lakewood police responded to a 911 call reporting an infant having difficulty breathing at approximately 7:20 p.m. First responders found the baby unresponsive at the scene, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Emergency medical technicians provided immediate medical attention before the infant was transported to Ocean University Medical Center in Brick. Due to the severity of her condition, she was subsequently transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where she was pronounced dead on Tuesday.
Medical Findings Reveal Trauma
An autopsy conducted Wednesday by the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s office revealed the infant had suffered blunt-force trauma to the head, resulting in skull fractures and subdural hematoma, according to prosecutors.
These findings prompted a detailed investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit working alongside Lakewood Police Department detectives and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
Parents Identified as Responsible
Authorities have not released specific details about how the injuries occurred or which parent they believe directly caused the trauma. The prosecutor’s statement indicated only that investigators determined that both Santiago and Gibson “were responsible for the baby’s death.”
The case marks the second serious child abuse incident in Lakewood within the past year. Child protection advocates expressed concern about the pattern of cases involving young victims in the area.
Community Response
The charges have stunned residents in the Ocean County township. Local community leaders are organizing support for extended family members affected by the tragedy, while child welfare organizations have renewed calls for increased vigilance and reporting of suspected child abuse.
“These cases are particularly devastating because infants are completely defenseless,” said Marianne Thompson, director of the Child Advocacy Center of Ocean County. “It’s crucial that anyone who suspects child abuse report it immediately to authorities.”
