Criminal Case Opened in Connection with the Death of a Toddler; Mother, Stepfather, and Stepmother Arrested

On February 7, 2021, at 12:50 PM, a report was received from the "Masiss Medical Center" regarding a toddler, born on August 1, 2019, who had been brought in deceased. This was announced by the public relations department of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia.

An investigative-operational group immediately left for the medical center and the child’s residence. A criminal case has been initiated in the Masis investigative department of the Ararat regional investigative administration of the Investigative Committee of Armenia under Article 109 (causing death by negligence) of the Criminal Code of Armenia.

External examination of the child's body revealed multiple bruises and abrasions of a bluish color, and an autopsy showed extensive hemorrhaging in the brain as well as bloody fluid in the lateral ventricles. According to the forensic expert’s conclusion, the child died from traumatic brain injury caused by closed craniocephalic trauma.

Information has been obtained suggesting that the injuries may have been inflicted by the child's family members—mother, stepfather, and step-grandmother. Preliminary data indicates that since January 2021, they have been periodically striking the child in various parts of the body, and on February 6, 2021, around 8:00 PM, the stepfather assaulted the child due to his crying and inability to sleep, striking him in the face and head. Following the assault, the child's condition deteriorated, and on February 7, he was noted to be weak, after which he passed away.

Based on the information obtained during the investigation, a decision has been made to open a new criminal case under Article 112 (intentionally causing serious harm to health) of the Criminal Code of Armenia, and to combine this with the existing case regarding causing death by negligence, conducting it in one proceeding, and assigning the preliminary investigation to the investigative group.

The 19-year-old mother, the 30-year-old stepfather, and the 41-year-old step-grandmother have been arrested on suspicion of intentionally causing serious harm to the child’s health and causing his death by negligence. A number of examinations have been appointed. The preliminary investigation is ongoing.