The Clayton County Medical Examiner’s Office has officially declared the death of infant Treveon Isaiah Taylor Jr. a homicide
. The newborn was decapitated during birth on July 10, 2023, at Southern Regional Medical Center.Attorneys Cory Lynch and Roderick E. Edmond, representing the deceased baby’s parents, Jessica Ross and Treveon Isaiah Taylor Sr., are expected to shed light on the case during a press conference scheduled for Wednesday.
The revelation of the newborn’s decapitation emerged through Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, prompting both the medical examiner and the grieving family to confront the shocking details, according to PEOPLE. The Clayton County Police Department, initially overseeing the investigation, is no longer in charge, with the responsibility now resting with the District Attorney’s Office. Any potential charges against the delivering doctor lie with the district attorney’s office.
According to WSB-TV2, in a lawsuit filed by the family, the baby became stuck about 10 hours into Ross’ labor and was eventually decapitated when the family’s doctor attempted for hours to pull him out. The lawsuit alleges that doctors “pulled on the baby’s head and neck so hard and manipulated them so hard, that the bones in the baby’s skull, head and neck were broken.”
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Southern Regional Medical Center expressed condolences: “Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the family and all those impacted by this tragic event. Our prayers also remain with the dedicated team of physicians, nurses, and staff at Southern Regional Medical Center who cared for this patient.”
The homicide ruling raises concerns not only about the events leading to the infant’s death but also about the procedures followed during childbirth. The community seeks clarity on the circumstances surrounding this incident, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in maternal care.