Lakewood parents charged with murder in death of 3-month-old daughter

LAKEWOOD, N.J. — A Lakewood couple has been charged with murder following the death of their three-month-old daughter, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Wednesday.

Ruben Santiago, 36, and Caitlin Gibson, 28, were arrested and charged on May 7 after a post-mortem examination determined their infant daughter died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head.

The infant, who had been unresponsive when first responders arrived, was pronounced dead on May 6 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.

Lakewood Township Police were called to the couple’s home on Pinehurst Drive at approximately 7:20 p.m. on May 5 for a report of an infant having difficulty breathing. Emergency medical services attempted lifesaving measures and transported the child to Ocean University Medical Center before she was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit in Neptune.

The following day, the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that the cause of death was a subdural hematoma caused by blunt force trauma and ruled the death a homicide.

Key points

Lakewood couple charged with murder in death of their 3-month-old daughter
Infant died of blunt force trauma; ruled a homicide by medical examiner
Both suspects are being held at Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing

A joint investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Special Victims Unit, Lakewood Township Police, and the County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Unit determined that Santiago and Gibson were responsible for the child’s fatal injuries.

The pair was taken into custody at Lakewood Township Police Headquarters on Wednesday and are currently being held at the Ocean County Jail.

Prosecutor Billhimer commended all agencies involved for their coordinated efforts in the investigation.

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