LAKEWOOD, NJ – A Lakewood couple has been charged with murder following the death of their 3-month-old daughter, who authorities say suffered fatal head injuries earlier this year.
Ocean County prosecutors announced that Ruben Santiago, 36, and Caitlin M. Gibson, 28, faced a grand jury indictment last week on a single murder count each, after a months-long investigation into the disturbing case. The investigation began on the evening of May 5, when emergency dispatchers received a call about an infant in distress at a home on Pinehurst Drive.
Emergency responders arrived to find the baby unresponsive, according to authorities. Despite immediate medical intervention, the infant’s condition was critical. She was first transported to Ocean University Medical Center in Brick Township, then transferred to Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Neptune as her situation worsened.
The child was pronounced dead the following day, May 6. According to the medical examiner, the cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma resulting in a fractured skull and subdural hematoma. The injuries were ruled a homicide, with the examiner characterizing them as devastating and likening them to those seen in severe car accidents.
Investigators soon learned the infant not only endured fatal head injuries, but also suffered seven rib fractures and a broken wrist. Those additional wounds were found to be in various stages of healing, suggesting the infant had previously experienced physical abuse over a period of time.
Authorities allege Santiago and Gibson were responsible for the injuries. Following the determination of homicide, both parents were arrested at Lakewood Township Police headquarters on May 7 and have remained in Ocean County Jail without bond since that time.
Investigative reports revealed that the parents initially told hospital staff their daughter had been ill, experiencing vomiting and diarrhea before her death. They said the baby received intravenous fluids at a hospital visit just a day before her fatal injuries occurred.
When questioned by authorities, Gibson declined to speak. Santiago provided several explanations for the infant’s injuries, suggesting that he may have accidentally dropped a bottle on her head, dropped her while handling her, or that the child struck her head on household furniture.
The indictment signals the next legal step for Santiago and Gibson as they await court proceedings. Details regarding their next scheduled court appearance have not yet been made public.
Prosecutors say the evidence gathered during the investigation links both parents to the fatal abuse. Their case continues to unfold as the community grapples with the tragic loss of a young life.