Police: Witnesses say father was abusive toward 3-month-old who died in Tavares Friday

TAVARES, Fla. — Witnesses told Tavares police the father of a 3-month-old boy who died Friday had been abusive toward the child, according to a police report.

According to the report, two witnesses said the Department of Children and Families previously investigated the family because “the infant's lip was busted” and the father allegedly lied to DCF workers about how it had happened.

The medical examiner's office is performing an autopsy Saturday to determine how the infant died.

Police went to Inn on the Green on East Burleigh Boulevard after receiving a report of an unresponsive 3-month-old, officials said.

The incident was reported about 5:30 p.m. and about an hour later the child was pronounced dead at Florida Hospital Waterman, the Tavares Police Department said.

Taylor Smith, who shared a motel room with the infant and his parents, said neighbors rushed the child to the front lobby and tried to help.

“One lady was on the ground giving him CPR and just no luck there; not even five minutes later the ambulance showed up,” Smith said.

According to the police report, detectives collected bedding and a pack-and-play apparatus where the baby slept as evidence.

Police said the baby’s mother was not home at the time of the incident and that the child was with his father.

The police report states at least three people gave statements to police, reporting the dad had said before he “didn’t want the baby.”

Watch WFTV News at 6 to see Channel 9's Angela Jacobs bring you the latest on this story. 

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