TROOPERS INVESTIGATE DEATH OF CHILD IN CAROLINE COUNTY

(HILLSBORO, MD) -- Maryland State Police are investigating the death of a Caroline County child who was found in a swimming pool at her home.

The victim is identified as Bella Blackiston, 2, of the 11000-block of Butler Road, Hillsboro, Maryland. The child was pronounced dead at Memorial Hospital in Easton where she had been taken by ambulance.

Results from an autopsy conducted by the Office of the State Medical Examiner did not immediately reveal signs of trauma or suspicious injuries. Further forensic tests will be conducted. The cause and manner of the child’s death are pending.

Shortly before 5:00 p.m. Maryland State Police from the Easton Barrack received a 9-1-1 call from a neighbor who had found the child in the above-ground pool, which is surrounded by a deck connected to their single family home. Responding paramedics found the child unresponsive and transported her to the emergency center.

Maryland State Police Homicide Unit and troopers from the Easton Barrack responded to the scene. Sheriff deputies from the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the call.

The preliminary investigation indicates the child and her mother were at home alone at the time. The circumstances regarding how the child got out of the house and into the pool are under investigation.

The investigation is continuing.