LAKEWOOD, NJ – A heart-wrenching case in Lakewood, New Jersey, has left the community in shock as two parents face charges related to the tragic death of their infant daughter. Caitlin Gibson and Ruben Santiago appeared remotely in court, marking their first appearance since being accused of the unthinkable crime.
The incident unfolded when Gibson made a distressing call to emergency services, reporting that her three-month-old daughter was struggling to breathe. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, the infant was pronounced dead at a local hospital the following day.
Initially, the parents claimed their daughter had been unwell and had recently been discharged from the hospital. However, an autopsy revealed severe head injuries, including blunt force trauma that resulted in skull fractures and bleeding near the brain. Prosecutors assert that these injuries were not accidental.
The court hearing was somber, with both parents saying little as the judge read the charges against them. Gibson appeared visibly distressed, while Santiago remained silent throughout the proceedings. The severity of the charges, including first-degree murder, has left the community and neighbors grappling with disbelief.
Johnny Ochsner, a local child advocate, expressed his heartbreak over the incident. As a father of a child the same age as the victim, he emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable children and lamented the loss of a life that had barely begun.
As the investigation continues, the public defender’s office is representing the parents. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday to determine whether they will remain in custody or be released pending trial.
The community is left to process the tragedy, questioning how such an incident could occur and seeking solace in the hope that justice will be served. The case has sparked discussions about the resources available to struggling parents and the broader societal responsibility to protect children.