NOVI, Mich. (WXYZ) — Novi police are investigating the death of a toddler. The child's mother, who they say has a long history of mental illness, is believed to be responsible.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed with 7 Action News Saturday evening the toddler's death is being ruled a homicide. The death was caused by an incised wound to the neck.
Police say they were called to the scene on Sevilla Circle just off Napier and 12 Mile around 5:30 p.m. on Friday when the father called 911 to report that he had arrived home from work to find his wife and the toddler were victims of violence.
Emergency personnel responded to the scene and found the woman and little boy suffering from severe physical injuries. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene, and the woman was taken to the hospital for medical treatment Friday evening.
Neighbors are shocked in a Novi subdivision, after a toddler is pronounced dead inside his home. @novipolice now saying the child's mother has a history of mental illness. This man recalls seeing the mother and grandmother walk outside with the toddler. "He used to blow kisses." pic.twitter.com/gHLlYsehaq
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) January 4, 2020
Police say the 36-year-old wife remains in serious condition at an area hospital.
"The baby was really cute. And he used to blow kisses and all. So it was very shocking," said James Sankidi, who lives down the street.
Investigators say the husband has been cooperative and is not considered a suspect. Preliminary findings indicate no additional involvement in the incident other than the mother and her child.
The family, originally from China, moved to the United States in 2014. Neighbors say they've lived in the subdivision for more than a year.
"It’s extremely sad and heart wrenching as well. Because you don’t expect that of any child, right? Let alone the one that you know, that is your neighbor. We were shocked, we couldn’t sleep all night," Sankidi told Action News.
This case remains under investigation by the Novi Police and members of the Michigan State Police Crime Laboratory.
