DCF confirms prior involvement with family of unresponsive baby found in Milford motel

MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The Department of Children and Families had been working with the family of a baby found unresponsive in a vacated motel room last week, a representative confirmed Tuesday.

In a statement, Commissioner Jodi Hill-Lilly said the agency is conducting a joint investigation with the Milford Police Department after the baby was declared dead at a hospital about an hour after being discovered by cleaning staff at the Mayflower Motel.

She said DCF was involved with the family for about four weeks prior to the Aug. 21 death.

“This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with this baby’s family, friends and others who knew her as well as the law enforcement and medical personnel who responded to this extremely difficult situation,” Hill-Lilly said.

Hill-Lilly said the agency has launched an investigation to review their work on the case, according to their standard practice.

Due to the active criminal investigation of this case, DCF said they could not comment further.

A Bridgeport man was charged in connection to the death, after he was determined to be the last person to see the child alive.

Dale Kirkland, 31, faces charges of risk of injury to a minor and cruelty to persons.

In court, his bond was set at $1 million and a judge ordered mental health and suicide watches, as well as a competency evaluation. He has no criminal history.

A reasonable suspicion of child maltreatment can be made to the Child Abuse and Neglect Careline by dialing 1-800-842-2288. The Careline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Callers to the Careline can remain anonymous. Community-based support can also be located by dialing 211 and a Substance Use Access line can be reached at 1-800-563-4086.

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