Baldivis baby death: Neighbours left shaken over suspicious death of infant, young mother assisting police

Homicide detectives are questioning a mother over the death of her eight-month-old baby in Baldivis. Police say the infant was found dead at the Winpara Way home about 10.15am on Thursday. A woman, aged in her 20s, and believed to be the baby’s mother, was also found injured at the scene. It is understood the injuries were inflicted by a sharp-edged weapon. The woman was taken by ambulance to Rockingham General Hospital and is now helping police with their investigation. No charges have been laid on Thursday night. “Detectives have been deployed to the scene, and inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death are being undertaken,” a police spokesman said. “The death is being treated as suspicious. “There is no risk to the community.” Neighbours said police flooded the street — which is typically filled with the sound of children playing — on Thursday morning. The home at the centre of the investigation sits on the corner of the street and opposite homes covered in Halloween decorations belonging to families. “I’m feeling pretty shaken … I can’t believe it,” one nearby resident said. Graham Stewart said he heard sirens throughout the morning. “I just feel quite heartbroken - I don’t know what to say really, I’m in shock,” he said. “It’s so close to home, but behind closed doors (it) can (happen) anywhere, it can be it can be any suburb. Forensic police were observed entering the property dressed in blue overalls throughout Thursday afternoon. Several cars are parked outside the home and a child’s pram is just metres from the doorway. A police chaplain was observed speaking to forensic police tasked with examining the confronting scene, which is surrounded by police tape. Anyone with information is urged to contact Police on 131 444, or report information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperswa.com.au