Thursday, October 22, 2009

Update:

The death of a 15-month-old boy this week could give other children another chance at life. The toddler's family says they will donate his organs to others.

Evan Coen died at Wesley Medical Center Wednesday afternoon, less than two days after police say he was the victim of child abuse.

Coen was taken by ambulance from a home in the 6500 block of W. Renee Ct. Monday night after an aunt called 911 to report he was not breathing. At the hospital, doctors discovered signs of repeated child abuse, including skull and rib fractures in various stages of healing.

Thursday morning, Coen's grandmother, Cindy Miles, shared the following statement with KAKE News:

"We are deeply saddened by Evan's unexpected injury. We are hoping that the donation of his organs will bring some hope and light to others in the midst of this tragedy. It's important to our family to have a complete understanding of how this occurred, and we are working in full cooperation with the Wichita Police Department in their investigation. We will continue that cooperation, and I ask the Wichita community to hold my family and my dear grandson in prayer as this situation unfolds."

Tuesday morning, Police arrested 25-year-old Bradley Conger on suspicion of child abuse. Investigators say he is the boyfriend of the child's mother. Police hope to present their case to prosecutors before the end of the week. The District Attorney will then decide what charges - if any - are appropriate.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Police say a 15-month-old boy, believed to be the victim of child abuse, has died.

The child was taken by ambulance to the hospital around 9 p.m. Monday from a home in the 6500 block of West Renee Court, near Maple and Ridge. Police said the boy died before 4:00 p.m. Wednesday.

When he arrived at the hospital, the child was not breathing. Doctors called police after X-rays found multiple broken bones and head injuries, including several skull fractures in various stages.

Police believe the child may have been previously abused and recovering from older injuries when the new injuries occurred.

Documents show police arrested 25-year-old Bradley Conger on suspicion of child abuse. Police say he is the boyfriend of the child's mother. Conger is being held on $100,000 bond. He has not been formally charged.

Investigators say the child's mother was home at the time of the incident. She has been questioned, but not arrested, police said. Two other children in the home - ages 6 and 3 - remain in the family's custody.

Detectives say the investigation is on-going, and hope to turn the case over the prosecutors soon.