A 24-year-old woman, Carmen Anita DeGregg, was arrested after a 15-month-old child was found with severe injuries and later died at a hospital. UCLA police say DeGregg allegedly told officers she harmed the child and left the infant inside a nearby apartment. Local outlets report the injuries may be consistent with an assault involving a frying pan; the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death. DeGregg is being held on $2 million bond and is due in court on Jan. 8.
24-Year-Old Woman Arrested After 15-Month-Old Dies; Injuries Allegedly Involved Frying Pan
FOX 11 Los Angeles/YouTubeCredit: FOX 11 Los Angeles
A 24-year-old California woman, identified in arrest records as Carmen Anita DeGregg, has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 15-month-old child was found with serious injuries and later died at a hospital, authorities and local outlets reported.
According to a news release from the Santa Monica Police Department, the incident began shortly before noon when UCLA police detained DeGregg after she allegedly told officers she had harmed her child and left the infant inside a nearby apartment. Responding officers found the child in the residence with what police described as "significant injuries." Santa Monica Fire Department personnel transported the toddler to a local hospital, where the child was later pronounced deceased.
Police have said the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death. Local outlets, including Fox 11 Los Angeles and KABC, reported that the injuries were allegedly consistent with an assault involving a frying pan; police have described those reports as part of the ongoing investigation and have not confirmed every detail publicly.
Arrest and Charges
DeGregg was booked into the Santa Monica Jail. Arrest records reviewed by PEOPLE show she is the only person taken into custody in connection with the case and that an additional charge alleges being under the influence of a controlled substance. Jail records indicate she is being held on $2 million bail and is scheduled for arraignment on Jan. 8.
People at the Scene
Neighbors told local media they heard screams over the weekend, though it was not clear when the reported sounds occurred. One neighbor, Fred Moynier, told Fox 11 he watched first responders bring the toddler out on a gurney and observed chest compressions being performed. The child’s father was questioned at the scene but was not arrested; neighbors described him as visibly distraught.
Investigation Underway
Detectives from the Santa Monica Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division are continuing to investigate. The department said it would release additional information when appropriate as the medical examiner completes its review. PEOPLE and local news outlets have reported on the case and sought comment from Santa Monica police.
This remains an active and developing investigation. For accuracy and fairness, some details reported by local media are described as alleged until confirmed by police or the medical examiner.
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