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June 6, 2007

Baby, alleged to be victim of shaking by father, dies

Nine-month-old James Cerce, who authorities allege was violently shaken by his father, died today at Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence.

The office of Bristol County District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter, which announced the death, said it is now investigating the case as a homicide. An autopsy is to be performed tomorrow.

Authorities say the incident happened in the Fall River apartment of the child's father, Christopher J. Cerce, on April 17.

Cerce was indicted by a grand jury last month on two counts of assault and battery of a child-causing substantial injury, and one count each of wanton/reckless child endangerment and possession of marijuana. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

"Appropriate new charges will be brought at the appropriate time, once the autopsy and the ongoing investigation is completed," according to today's release form Sutter's office.

Cerce had been ordered held on $100,000 cash bail at his May 31 arraignment in New Bedford Superior Court.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 6:11 PM | Permalink

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