From staff reports

NATCHEZ — The Adams County Coroner’s Office is investigating the death of a 3-month-old infant who died Saturday morning.

Adams County Coroner James Lee said in a news release Saturday that the infant was transported to the Merit Health Natchez emergency room after being found unresponsive by a caregiver early Saturday morning.

Lee said the body of the child has been sent to Jackson for an autopsy and that he has started an investigation in the case after discovering troubling facts concerning the situation.

Lee gave few specifics of the case, including where the child was found in Adams County.

“The investigation has revealed the same caregiver had another child in her care two years ago who passed away with SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome),” Lee said. “From my investigation (the Mississippi Department of Human Services) was notified by a grandparent.”

Lee said he has contacted a DHS representative and social worker who was unable to give him any information about the case.

“It is my intention to contact the State DHS and regional office for a detailed report concerning this case,” Lee said. “After the autopsy, I plan to meet with the chief of police and State Child Protective Services concerning this case.”

Lee said the case is disturbing to him, especially since a 3-month-old is “totally dependent on someone to care for it.”

“This bothers me,” Lee said. “It bothers me very greatly. But I will leave no stones unturned for this child or any other case suspected of improper care.”