The parents of a four-month-old infant who was taken to a hospital in Patras in extremely critical condition are expected to appear before the Patras investigating magistrate today, showing signs of severe malnutrition.
The 21-year-old father and the 26-year-old mother face charges of attempted manslaughter by omission and domestic violence, as, according to evidence gathered by police authorities, they allegedly systematically deprived their child of food. Meanwhile, there is encouraging news regarding the infant’s health: the child has been taken off the ventilator and discharged from the Intensive Care Unit at the University Hospital of Patras, in Rio.
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Both parents were brought before the prosecutor yesterday, from whom they requested and were granted a deadline to prepare their defense. Today, they are expected to provide explanations to the investigating judge regarding the circumstances that led to their child being in danger of losing his life.
He was taken to the hospital in a near-death state
The case came to light on Wednesday, November 11, when the four-month-old boy was taken to the Karamandaneio Children’s Hospital in Patras, presenting a particularly severe clinical picture.
Doctors diagnosed severe malnutrition, and according to information that has been made public, the infant was in a hypoglycemic coma and had injuries to his lower limbs. It is being investigated whether some of the injuries may have been caused by rodent bites, though there is no definitive conclusion yet regarding their origin.
Due to the severity of his condition, it was deemed necessary to transfer him to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the University General Hospital of Patras, in Rio, where doctors proceeded to intubate him.
The child’s condition immediately prompted the police to take action; they were notified by the medical staff and launched an investigation into his living conditions and care.
The police investigation and the arrest of the parents
During the preliminary investigation conducted by officers from the Patras Sub-Directorate for Crime Prevention and Investigation, evidence emerged, according to the Hellenic Police, evidence linking the infant’s serious health condition to systematic food deprivation.
Based on the findings of the investigation, the authorities proceeded on Thursday, November 12, to bring in and subsequently arrest the two parents.
Charges were filed against them for attempted manslaughter by omission and domestic violence.
The indictment focuses on the alleged systematic starvation of the child and the failure to provide necessary care. The exact circumstances, the duration of the alleged food deprivation, and the criminal liability of each parent are the subject of the judicial investigation.
According to Patrapress, the parents reportedly claim that they were feeding the infant, an assertion that is expected to be examined as part of the preliminary investigation.
The baby boy was extubated and discharged from the ICU
The infant’s health is showing encouraging signs, as his condition has stabilized following the intensive medical care he received.
The baby boy was extubated and discharged from the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital in Rio. He was then transferred back to the Karamandaneio Children’s Hospital, where he remains under observation.
Meanwhile, a forensic medical examination has been ordered by the Patras Forensic Medical Service, in order to evaluate the findings and further investigate the circumstances that led to the serious deterioration of his health.
Particular attention is being paid to the injuries found on the child’s legs, as investigators are examining whether they are bite marks and determining their origin.
The parents are appearing in court today; here is what the Hellenic Police statement says.
In its statement on the case, the Hellenic Police confirms the arrest of the two parents and describes the evidence that emerged during the preliminary investigation.
According to the statement, the infant was initially taken to the hospital in a near-death state and subsequently required treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital in Rio.
The Hellenic Police notes that the police investigation revealed that the parents had been systematically starving the child, a fact that led to their arrest.
At the same time, it confirms that after the infant’s condition stabilized, he was returned to the Patras Children’s Hospital, and a forensic medical examination was ordered.
Today’s hearing for the 21-year-old man and the 26-year-old woman is expected to mark the next significant stage in the case, as their further criminal proceedings will be determined once it is concluded.
Source: Proto Thema
