06/01/2015

Sister And Partner Charged With Murder Over Baby Death

Two people have been charged with murder over the death of a one-year-old baby in Birmingham.

Santino Balaz, aged 14 months, a Czech national, who was living in Brighton Road, Balsall Heath, died at Birmingham Children's Hospital on 1 January 2015, following an emergency call to the ambulance service at 3.45pm.

Police have charged his sister Tereza Lackova, 19, and her partner Marek Holub, 27. Both had responsibility for the care of Santino at the time of his death.

Detective Inspector Justin Spanner from Force CID, who is investigating the death, said: "We are awaiting further tests following a post mortem, Santino was found to have extensive injuries and fractures to several areas of his body. West Midlands Police is currently liaising with colleagues in the Czech Republic to trace Santino's mother, who is believed to have returned home in September last year."

The pair will appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning (6 January).

(CD/JP)

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