CNBNews

Three-week old Baby Has Died

BROOKLAWN-The newborn baby boy who was stabbed on Saturday following a domestic dispute at a home in the 300 block of Chestnut Avenue has died. Brooklawn Police Chief Fran McKinney, left, can be seen leaving the home yesterday.

The baby was pronounced dead Sunday morning at Cooper University Hospital in Camden at 4:47 a.m., Camden County Prosecutor's Office Capt. Richard Minardi said.

Police believe the newborn had been slashed across the abdomen by Gloria Carter, 34, Saturday morning. The baby was still alive when EMT's arrived and was taken to Cooper Hospital in Camden where he underwent surgery.

An autopsy revealed the baby also suffered a blunt head trauma, possibly from being thrown down stairs, they said.

The attack happened at 9 a.m. in the 300 block of Chestnut Street, where Carter and the child's father, Edward Colvin, lived.

Carter, originally charged with attempted murder, now faces a murder charge, Minardi said. She was being held without bail in the Camden County Jail.

Carter allegedly used a sharp object to cut across the child’s abdomen, Minardi said.

The baby suffered extensive internal and external injuries, acting Camden County Prosecutor James P. Lynch said.

Both Carter and Colvin lived at the house and were the only ones there at the time, Lynch said.

It is unknown whether anyone else lived at the house.

The baby's mother was not identified and authorities said she does not live at the home.

The motive is also unknown.

After the incident, Carter and Colvin had a scuffle that prompted a neighbor to call police, Lynch said. Colvin, who has not been charged with a crime, also called police to report the incident.

It is unclear if Colvin witnessed the incident and authorities decided not to immediately question him further, allowing him to remain with his son.

Carter fled the scene on foot immediately after the incident, but police caught her after a short pursuit, Lynch added.

Assisting the Brooklawn police were units from Bellmawr, Gloucester City and Westville police departments. At 10 a.m the street was closed to all vehicle traffic. Television network news stations from Philadelphia were also on the scene interviewing neighbors.