“This case has shocked the conscience of everyone involved…” – Cornelia Police Chief Chad Smith
Cornelia Police have arrested and charged a woman with murder in the death of her 3-month-old daughter.
25-year-old Elba Maureen Santiago was charged after the infant died Monday, April 8, at Scottish Rite-Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
The baby was admitted to the hospital on April 2 for treatment of trauma “consistent with child abuse,” according to Cornelia Police Chief Chad Smith. He says Cornelia police and fire personnel, along with Habersham EMS, found the child unresponsive when responding to a call at AppleTree Inn at 190 South Main Street.
EMS transported the infant to Northeast Georgia Medical Center. From there she was life-flighted to Scottish Rite.
Cornelia Police took Santiago into custody on April 10, Habersham County jail records show. In addition to murder, police charged her with cruelty to children 1st degree and two counts of aggravated battery. She remains in the county jail. Bond has not been set.
Authorities say Santiago has another child that is 18 months old. That child is now in the custody of the Department of Family and Children Services.
Chief Smith says at this point in the investigation he could only speculate as to why the family was at the motel. “This is an active investigation and further details and injuries will not be released,” he says. “This case has shocked the conscience of everyone involved, so please keep the family and all public safety personnel involved in your prayers.”
