Investigation Begins Into Infant's Death
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
Four State officials determine the cause of death for a local infant found dead late last week. Greene County Medical Examiner, Dr. James Spindler says the cause of death appears to be malnutrition. 16-month old Katelyn Janelle Smith was found early Friday morning by her mother Ashley Ritchhard. Officials say Ritchhard and her boyfriend Allen Ishman were home at this apartment in Joplin when they found Smith not breathing. Officials say the upstairs room the baby was being kept in was near 130 degrees when they arrived at the apartment. Newton County Prosecuting Attorney Scott Watson says it is unclear if any charges will be filed at this time. Spindler says the 16-month old weighed only 15 pounds when he received the body.
