Police made a horrible discovery in a Michigan motel shortly before noon on Friday (US time). They found a baby alive alongside her dead parents.
According to reports, the six-month-old baby was found dehydrated but alive at the Rodeway Inn in Michigan, US. Sadly her parents were discovered to be dead.
26-year-old Jessica Bramer, of Grand Rapids and 28-year-old Christian Reed, of Marne, were identified as the deceased parents.
Apparently, it’s not clear what caused their deaths and it may be a few weeks until the toxicology results are in.
Yet, it’s thought that the baby girl, named Skylah, could have been alone in the motel room for approximately three days.
She was very dehydrated and deemed to be in a critical condition. As such, she was taken to a Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids. However, it’s expected she’ll make a full recovery.
Reports state that the Michigan State Troopers found the two dead bodies and baby Skylah after responding to a request for a ‘well-being’ or ‘welfare’ check.
Image courtesy of local Memphis
What is a welfare check?
In the US, a wellness (aka welfare) check is considered the ‘visit that can save a friend’s life’.
It is an in-person call from a local law enforcement officer. In the case of Skylah, a Michigan state trooper carried out the welfare check.
The check would usually relate to someone whose behaviour is deemed suspicious and is usually at the request of a family member or friend.
In Australia, it would seem we have a similar service. In the instance where you might be worried about an individual’s state of mind, you can contact the Suicide Call Back Service.
You can also contact your local police department if you are worried and feel it may be necessary to conduct a welfare check on a relative, friend or neighbour.
1 Comment
I have been given to understand that severe dehydration can cause kidney damage. This baby has been starved too