Authorities on Tuesday announced they are investigating the death of a 1-month-old baby boy who was brought to a New York hospital over the summer for malnutrition as a homicide.
Joseph Heben Jr. was taken to Staten Island University Hospital on July 20. Officers were called to the hospital and informed by staff that the baby was “unconscious and unresponsive,” the New York City Police Department said in a statement. He was later pronounced dead.
In an update Tuesday, police said the Office of Chief Medical Examiner deemed the death a homicide. The medical examiner’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.
No arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing, authorities said.
Police have released very few details about the case, including who brought Joseph to the hospital. The New York Times reported that the baby died of malnutrition.
The New York City Administration for Children’s Services said state confidentiality laws prohibit it from sharing certain details.
“The safety and well-being of New York City’s children is our top priority. As soon as this family came to our attention in July, we launched an immediate investigation with the NYPD,” a spokesperson said.
