OREGON CITY, Ore. (KOIN) — A 7-month-old died from a skull fracture suffered at a babysitter’s house and investigators have ruled it a homicide.
The baby, identified as Izaak Gillen, was taken to Randall Children’s Hospital on April 6. Oregon City PD Sgt. Matthew Paschall told KOIN 6 News the hospital called them almost immediately.
“They’re required to report child abuse,” Paschall said. “Absolutely it raised flags with us and we immediately had detectives go to the hospital to start an investigation of how the child was injured.”
The baby’s parents are doing the best they can under the circumstances, he said. “This is a tough thing for any parent to deal with to get that kind of information, so the parents have been great in helping with the investigation and doing everything they can to make sure that we get all the facts straight.”
On Wednesday, Izaak’s parents released this statement:“Our family is deeply saddened with the loss of our son Izaak. Izaak was an inquisitive and curious little boy, who explored the world with a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face. He was our happy beautiful little baby. Although this is a tragic event, we take some comfort knowing Izaak was able to save the lives of other children by donating 3 of his organs. In his seven months, Izaak touched many lives.”
Investigators are still looking into what happened that led up to the baby’s injury.
Around 1 p.m. that day, paramedics were called for help at the babysitter’s house in the 1700 block of 9th Street.
“The child was then transported to the hospital where we were called that the child had a skull fracture,” Paschall said.
The baby’s injuries and the information they had led authorities to believe the baby’s death was a homicide, “when someone is intentionally or knowingly or recklessly killed by someone else,” he said.
No one has yet been arrested, but when the facts are gathered “we will make an arrest.”
Paschall said they will not be releasing details of what happened in the home for at least a few days, but he’s confident no other children are in danger.
“At this time we don’t believe anyone is in danger and our detectives and investigators have taken steps to make sure everyone is safe,” he said. “Ultimately the goal is to arrest who is responsible for this and hold them accountable.”