FAIRFIELD, Conn. — The death of a 4-month-old baby at an unlicensed home day care in Connecticut has been ruled a homicide after toxicology reports found high levels of Benadryl in the infant’s system.
Police in Fairfield say they’re investigating the March 22 death of Adam Seagull of Shelton. An autopsy has concluded the baby died from acute diphenhydramine (dy-fehn-HY'-drah-meen) intoxication.
His death was initially ruled an accident from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Deputy Police Chief Chris Lyddy says there had been no signs of trauma and the baby had not been sick.
No criminal charges have been filed. Lyddy says the investigation is ongoing.
“His infectious smile brought immediate joy to everyone who had the privilege of experiencing it,” a portion of the infant’s obituary read, according to News 12 Connecticut. “As he would look at you with his beautiful brown eyes, your heart became bigger and fuller with love.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that parents should not give infants cough and cold products intended for older children.
“FDA research indicates that children less than 2 years old appear to be the most susceptible to serious injury when there are no labeled directions for use but rather state ’to ask a doctor (healthcare provider) for use,'” the warning reads.
