Coventry Infant Death: Parents Held

COVENTRY, MA — Two parents faced a judge Wednesday in connection with their baby daughter's death on Nov. 19. Steven Gilchrist, 32, and Jocelyn Belmore, 32, were arraigned at Kent County Courthouse this afternoon. Each is charged with a felony, cruelty to (or neglect of) a child. Bail was set at $50,000 with surety and with this condition: neither may have contact with a child under 16.

Their eight-month-old was pronounced dead at Kent County Hospital where medics took her after the parents called 911. Police said the baby was unresponsive when the rescue arrived.

Coventry Police said an investigation revealed evidence of criminal neglect from the parents. Late this afternoon, police added more details about the case to say a preliminary toxicology report showed the drug Fentanyl in the infant’s body. The cause of death is still pending.

Police said charges against the parents could be upgraded when the state medical examiner determines the cause of death.

Courtesy Photos: Coventry Police Department

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