Rhode Island couple charged in death of baby in Connecticut

By The Associated Press

news@abc6.com

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) _ A Rhode Island couple has been charged in the death of their 8-month-old daughter in Connecticut.

State police say they found the baby unresponsive in a home in Brooklyn, Connecticut on February 10 after 28-year-old Justine Barber of Woonsocket, Rhode Island called 911.

Police at the time said the death did not appear to be criminal in nature. A subsequent autopsy and investigation led to the arrests of Barber and the baby’s father, Kevin Hartshorn Jr., of Woonsocket.

Hartshorn, arrested Wednesday at the couple’s home, is charged with negligent homicide and risk of injury to a minor.

Police say Barber, who was taken into custody at a Providence Hospital, is charged with second-degree manslaughter. Both were being held in lieu of bond and expected to appear in court on Friday.

© The Associated Press / WLNE-TV 2015