Home / Crime and Justice / Baby Found Dead in Van: Mother Charged
Baby Found Dead in Van: Mother Charged
6 Mar
Summary
- A nine-month-old baby was found unresponsive in a parked minivan.
- The mother faces a criminal neglect charge in connection with the death.
- Neighbours attempted CPR before emergency services arrived at the scene.
In Adelaide's northern suburbs, a nine-month-old baby boy named Kohen was found unresponsive inside a minivan parked in the driveway of his Elizabeth Downs home. Emergency services were called to the residence on Midlow Road on Wednesday evening following reports of the discovery. The baby's mother, Crystal Manneken, 31, was subsequently charged with criminal neglect.
According to neighbours, the parents discovered Kohen unresponsive in the vehicle and desperately sought help, with Manneken heard pleading for her son to wake up. Residents attempted to perform CPR for approximately 10 to 15 minutes before the arrival of multiple ambulances and police vehicles. Despite their efforts and the restoration of a faint heartbeat, Kohen later died.
Baby items were observed outside the Elizabeth Downs home on Thursday morning, indicating the presence of young children. Authorities are preparing a report for the coroner as the investigation into the exact circumstances of the baby's death continues. Manneken has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court on April 14.
