LAKEWOOD, NJ – The tight-knit community of Lakewood is reeling after authorities charged a couple with the murder of their three-month-old daughter. Caitlin Gibson and Ruben Santiago appeared in court through a video link, facing accusations that have left neighbors in disbelief.
Gibson’s desperate call to 911 initially described a medical emergency, with her daughter having difficulty breathing. However, the infant’s condition quickly deteriorated, and she passed away the next day in the hospital.
The autopsy results painted a grim picture, revealing that the child suffered from severe head trauma, with evidence of fractures and internal bleeding. Investigators have implicated the parents, though further details surrounding the incident remain undisclosed.
Appearing before the judge, both parents were reserved, with the weight of the charges visibly affecting them. The community has been left to grapple with the implications of such a shocking event, questioning how it could happen in their midst.
Johnny Ochsner, who advocates for children’s welfare, expressed his sorrow, noting the vulnerability of infants and the need for a collective effort to protect them. He highlighted the tragedy of a life lost and the potential for it to have been avoided.
The legal process is set to continue, with a hearing scheduled to decide the couple’s custody status. As the case unfolds, it serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the community’s role in safeguarding its youngest members.