Two parents have been charged in connection with the death of their newborn son following an investigation into suspected child abuse at Tower Health Reading Hospital, according to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office and West Reading Police Department.
Authorities identified the infant as Baby Boy Tavarez-Cepeda, who was one day old at the time of his death. The child’s parents, Kevin Canaan, 28, of Reading, and Yeniffer Tavarez-Cepeda, 25, of New York, were each charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of children.
According to investigators, West Reading Police were dispatched to the maternity ward at Tower Health Reading Hospital on May 2 after reports of suspected child abuse. Officers learned that a newborn who had initially appeared healthy was later found in medical distress inside a private recovery room.
The infant was flown to Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center for advanced neonatal care, where he died the following day, May 3.
Medical personnel at Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center told investigators the infant’s injuries were consistent with physical abuse and not related to the birthing process, authorities said.
An autopsy conducted May 5 by forensic pathologist Dr. Wayne K. Ross at the Dauphin County Forensic Center determined the infant suffered multiple traumatic internal injuries. The cause of death was ruled “multiple traumatic injuries,” and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
Investigators said the child was under the supervision of both parents inside a private maternity ward room at the time the injuries were believed to have occurred. Authorities stated repeated wellness checks by medical staff helped narrow the timeframe in which the injuries were inflicted.
The investigation also determined that both defendants observed the infant in medical distress but did not alert hospital staff, according to the release.
The charges were filed Tuesday following a joint investigation by Berks County detectives and the West Reading Police Department. Authorities said the investigation included interviews with the defendants, healthcare workers, and medical professionals.
Arrest warrants were issued Tuesday by Magisterial District Judge Steven M. Chieffo. Both defendants were taken into custody in Reading by members of the Berks County Sheriff’s Warrant Division, the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, West Reading Police, and Berks County detectives.
They were transported to the Berks County Sheriff’s Central Processing Center for arraignment.
Authorities noted that the charges are accusations and that both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.