NANTICOKE — The authorities are investigating the 2022 death of a 1-month-old girl as a criminal homicide, with the involvement of the Pennsylvania State Police at Wilkes-Barre and the Luzerne County district attorney’s office.
Avaya Jade Rasmus-Alberto was discovered deceased in a bassinet inside 167 W. Green St., Nanticoke, on Oct. 24, 2022, according to state police.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Gary Ross conducted an autopsy and found that the infant died from asphyxiation due to mechanical compression, and the death was considered accidental.
However, investigators found concerning internet searches on the 17-year-old mother's phone.
Search warrants revealed that the mother had looked up information about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, the safety of giving melatonin drops to a newborn, images of shaken baby syndrome, reasons why a newborn won’t stop crying, and whether an infant can sleep on their stomach.
Two search warrants were issued on Feb. 22, seeking the infant’s medical and birth records. These warrants were executed after the 60-day seal set by Luzerne County President Judge Michael T. Vough.
According to the search warrants, Ross stated after the autopsy that the infant lacked the ability to move into a position that would result in death.
Authorities and emergency medical technicians discovered a U-shaped nursing pillow in the bassinet with the infant, who had blood under her nostrils and on the side of her nose, at the West Green Street residence on Oct. 24, 2022, as detailed in the search warrants.
The search warrants designate criminal homicide as the crime.
No charges have been brought forth.
