Death not suspicious

Bakersfield Californian, The (CA)

Author: The Bakersfield Californian

The death of a Bakersfield infant while in the care of a foster mother was due to either natural or accidental causes, the Kern County coroner's office reported Monday. The finding lifts a cloud of suspicion that had hung over the foster mother for months.

Angelic Rose Clary, 3 months, was found dead Sept. 14. The death was investigated by Bakersfield police.

The exact manner of death remained undetermined, but Chief Deputy Coroner Jim Malouf said the baby likely breathed in something.

Such deaths can occur accidentally or naturally from a baby inhaling vomit, he said.

Bakersfield police are still investigating possible neglect charges tied to Angelic's twin sister, Detective Mary DeGeare said Monday.

The twin, who was staying with the same foster mother as Angelic, was feverish, dehydrated and had depressants in her system, detectives said.

A toxicology screen for Angelic came up negative, according to the coroner's office.