A quiet street in Melbourne's north-west has become the centre of a heartbreaking investigation after the death of three-month-old Elijah, whose short life ended under circumstances that have left the community reeling.
A Distressing Discovery
Emergency services rushed to a residential property in the suburb following reports of an infant in cardiac arrest. Despite frantic efforts by paramedics to revive the tiny patient, baby Elijah could not be saved.
The tragedy unfolded in a neighbourhood where children's laughter typically fills the air, now replaced by the sombre presence of police vehicles and forensic investigators.
Family Known to Authorities
Victoria Police confirmed they're treating the infant's death as suspicious, with sources indicating the family was previously known to child protection services.
Detectives from the Homicide Squad have taken charge of the investigation, methodically examining the family home and speaking with neighbours who described hearing regular crying from the property.
Community in Mourning
Local residents expressed their shock and grief, with one neighbour telling reporters: "You never imagine something like this happening so close to home. That poor little baby never stood a chance."
Another long-time resident described seeing emergency workers performing CPR on the infant in the front yard, a haunting image that has left the neighbourhood traumatised.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have remained tight-lipped about specific details of their investigation but confirmed they're exploring all angles, including whether neglect or other factors contributed to the tragedy.
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing has also launched its own review into the case, standard procedure when a child known to child protection services dies.
As the investigation continues, the Melbourne community is left grappling with the loss of a life that had barely begun, while authorities work to determine exactly how such a tragedy could occur.
