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SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City police are looking into the death of a young child that died early Tuesday morning.
Investigators originally called the death of the 1-year- old girl suspicious, but have since backed away from those claims.
Police received a call for a "medical assist" about 4:40 a.m. in the 500 north block of Irie Lane (1720 West), said Salt Lake City Police Sgt. Shawn Josephson. The infant was taken to Primary Children's Medical Center where she was pronounced dead a short time later.
"We found some things that were concerning," Josephson said without elaborating. "There are facts surrounding the circumstances we can't explain."
Neighbors were saddened to hear of the death of the 1- year-old girl. Lina Tapusoa, a relative who lives around the corner, said the infant was the youngest of five children in the family and was well loved by her parents.
We found some things that were concerning. There are facts surrounding the circumstances we can't explain.
–Sgt. Shawn Josephson
"When that baby girl came into their lives, she was their everything, with the parents, with the siblings, they just loved her," said Tapusoa. "She was so spoiled, they were always carrying her, she was always dressed nicely. So, to hear this is just a shock to us."
Neighbors said the family had only lived in the home for a month, and few knew them.
There was reportedly more than one adult home at the time of the incident. How the infant died is still unknown at this time. A medical examiner will determine at a later time the cause of death.
"We make sure to investigate these cases to make sure that this victim, of whatever circumstances surrounding it, gets a voice," Sgt. Josephson said.
Investigators said it could take the medical examiners officer several weeks to determine the cause of the infant's death.
Contributing: Shara Park, Pat Reavy
Email: jboal@ksl.com
