Georgia Hospital Accused of Homicide After Baby Dies of Decapitation During Childbirth
(CNN) — A shocking revelation from the medical examiner’s office has stirred up controversy in Georgia. The office revealed that the manner of death of a baby, Treveon Isaiah Taylor Jr., was homicide.
The 20-year-old mother, Jessica Ross, filed a lawsuit against Southern Regional Medical Center, accusing them of attempting to cover up the manner of death of her baby. The lawsuit alleges that the hospital tried to conceal the facts from her and her boyfriend, Trevon Isaiah Taylor, and their family.
According to the medical examiner’s office, the baby died from a broken neck and a detached head, caused by “fracture-dislocation with complete transection, upper cervical spine (C1-C2) and spinal cord,” due to “shoulder dystocia, arrest of labor, and fetal entrapment in the canal” during childbirth. Pregnancy-induced diabetes and premature rupture of membranes were also contributing factors to the baby’s death.
The lawsuit claims that the doctor applied excessive traction to the baby’s head and neck, and failed to perform a cesarean section in a timely and appropriate manner, resulting in the baby’s decapitation and death.
In response to the medical examiner’s announcement, a spokesperson for Southern Regional Medical Center issued a statement to CNN, saying that they are unable to comment due to current litigation. The hospital previously denied the allegations in the complaint filed by Ross in August.
The family spokesperson alleged that when Ross and Taylor demanded to see and hold their baby, hospital staff told them they were not allowed to touch or hold their son. The workers only allowed the couple to see their dead son’s body, which was wrapped tightly in a blanket in such a way that those who saw him could not identify that he had been decapitated.
Director Brian Byars of the Clayton County Department of Medical Examiner expressed his shock and disbelief at the incident, calling it “very unusual” and confirming that the case is still under investigation by the Clayton County Police Department.
Ross and her boyfriend are expected to hold a public press conference in Atlanta to address the matter. The family’s lawyer has also confirmed that they will take legal action in response to the tragic incident.
This heartbreaking story has brought to light the need for thorough investigations and accountability in the healthcare system, as the community awaits further updates on the case.