3-year-old girl found dead in Queens apartment; police suspect child abuse
ROCKAWAY, Queens — A 3-year-old girl was found dead in a Queens apartment and police are investigating if child abuse was a factor.
Police were called about 6 p.m. Monday to an apartment on Beach 105th Street near Shore Front Parkway and found Bella Edwards unconscious and unresponsive. Her stepfather, the only adult home, was performing CPR on her.
“There were a number of fireman and ambulances…trying to resuscitate her,” neighbor Doris King said.
She was rushed to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The medical examiner has not yet revealed the cause of death. Police are investigating if child abuse was a factor.
Edwards’ body showed signs of trauma consistent with abuse, a police source told PIX11. The source said that she was covered in bruises, had new injuries and several old injuries that were healing, and there were signs of sexual abuse.
Her parents are being questioned by detectives from the Special Victims Unit. No arrests have been made.
King said she does not know Edwards’ parents and only saw her around the building.
“Very cute little girl. Never knew anything was wrong,” she said. “Very shocking, very sad.”
The New York City Administration for Children’s Services is also investigating.
“Our top priority is protecting the safety and wellbeing of all children in New York City. As soon as this family came to our attention last night, we immediately launched an investigation with the NYPD,” Deputy Commissioner Eric Ferrero said.
A 3-month-old who lived in the apartment where Edwards was found has been taken to a hospital for evaluation.