Woman Charged With Manslaughter of 8-Month Old Niece

A 55-year-old Sarasota woman is facing an aggravated manslaughter charge for the death of her 8-month old niece, according to .

Police arrested and charged Carmen Martinez of 1320 Boulevard of the Arts on Wednesday for aggravated manslaughter of a child following the investigation of her niece's death, which happened on May 15, according to police.

The case started back on May 14 when officers responded to reports of a woman yelling for yelp on McCown Towers' third floor, where Martinez lives.

Officers found 8-month old Alivia Ortega unconcious and without a puluse and an officer performed CPR until Sarasota County Fire Department arrived and continued to resuscitate the baby, when her pulse returned and was then transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, according to police.

Alivia was also flown to All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg for additional critical care, according to police, but died on May 15.   

The Medical Examiner's autopsy and exam determined that Alivia's death was caused by internal injuries, giving police cause to classify the case as a homicide, according to police. 

Martinez is the baby's aunt and was the caregiver on May 14, police said. 

Anyone with additional information regarding the injuries and death of Alivia is asked to contact Detective Megan Buck at 941-954-7067.