Infant death at Newton day care under investigation

A 5-month-old infant at a daycare in Newton died on Friday.

Newton police were called out at approximately 11:11 a.m. Friday to the 700 block of E. 12th Street Place North on the report of a 5-month-old infant that was unconscious and not breathing, according to a Newton Police Department news release Friday evening.

Rescue efforts were made by Newton police, Newton Fire Department paramedics and, later, MercyOne Newton emergency personnel.

The child was asleep for a nap before being discovered unresponsive, according to the release.

This case, which was first reported by the Newton Daily News, is currently under investigation. An autopsy by the State Medical Examiner is pending.

Newton police said in the release that the other children at the day care were sent home with parents. The Department of Human Services has been notified of the case because it involves a child, the release stated.

Teresa Kay Albertson covers Des Moines' southern suburbs for the Register and the Indianola Record-Herald. Reach her at talbertson@registermedia.com or 515-419-6098.