BSO Investigates Death Of 2-Year-Old Boy
OAKLAND PARK (CBSMiami) – Broward Sheriff's deputies are investigating the death of toddler in Oakland Park.
Just before 1:30 a.m. Thursday, BSO Communications received a phone call alerting police that an unresponsive child, who had been transported to Florida Medical Center by his mother, was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The child, a 2-year-old boy, has been identified as Amari Francis.
The news of the toddler's death spread quickly.
A woman who lives at the Bridgewater Place apartment complex, the same apartment complex as the little boy's family, said she got a frantic phone call from a family member wanting to know if it was her grandchild who died.
"He was watching the news and he said, 'Why didn't anybody here pick up the phone,' but I happened to have been taking a shower when he called," said resident Judy Miller.
As BSO and crime scene detectives visited the victim's family's home at the apartment complex off of NW 44th street, more neighbors headed out for work and they too were taken back by the news.
"This is the first time I'm hearing about it. I didn't really know anything about it, but that is shocking to know that happened. I'm really sorry for the family," said resident Marie Cruz.
"Very weird, ya know? I've been living here a long time, but very weird," said resident George Powin.
" I had no idea. It's crazy to think because there are so many little kids here. I wonder which one it could be and like they are all such little kids. Everyone here is so nice, so it's crazy," said resident Michael West.
The autopsy on the toddler was performed Thursday. The Medical Examiner has not ruled on a cause of death yet. They are awaiting toxicology results. According to BSO, there are no signs of obvious trauma.
Investigators have not said if they suspect foul play meanwhile neighbors said there is just a lot of unanswered questions, concern, and empathy.
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