LUCERNE — Investigation into the death of a 4-year-old girl who resided in Lucerne is ongoing. The child died at UC Davis Medical Center on Sunday, Dec. 3 three days after being admitted for injuries that were considered suspicious in nature, according to the Lake County Sheriff”s Department.
According to Lake County Sheriffs Office (LCSO), investigators are collecting information in an effort to explain the circumstances surrounding the child”s death. The investigation was initiated prior to her death, when emergency medical responders, who were answering a 911 dispatch, requested a response from the Lake County Sheriff”s Department following their evaluation of the girl”s condition.
The 911 call, in which the caller reported a 4-year-old girl as being unresponsive and not breathing, was received by the Lake County Sheriff”s Dispatch Center during the evening hours of Thursday, Nov. 30. Medical personnel from Lucerne reportedly arrived on scene within four minutes following the 911 call. Upon arrival, medical personnel found the 4-year-old girl to be in critical condition. Four minutes after that, an air ambulance and sheriff deputies were requested by medical personnel.
“At the time (the incident) was reported, investigators found the injuries (sustained by the little girl) were suspicious, specifically an injury to her head,” said Lake County Chief Deputy Sheriff Russell Perdock. “We are reviewing her last hours and the days prior to her injury to better determine the cause (of her death) and any suspected criminal actions.
“The investigation is ongoing and interviews are being conducted,” Perdock reported on Wednesday.
The young girl was flown by REACH air ambulance to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento immediately following Thursday”s response.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
