Philadelphia

Death of Boy, 2, Found Unresponsive at Philadelphia Home a Homicide: Authorities

An autopsy revealed Zy'Air Worrell had suffered a fractured rib and lacerated liver and had THC in his system

The death of a boy whose body was found in the arms of his mother at a Philadelphia home was ruled a homicide and test results reveal the boy was abused.

The 23-year-old mom and her 21-year-old boyfriend met officers in front of a home along E. Clementine Street near F Street in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood around 11:50 p.m. Tuesday, said Philadelphia Police.

Andrea Worrell held her unresponsive 2-year-old boy, identified by family members as Zy'Air Worrell, in her arms, said police. [[403901706, C]]

Police rushed Zy'Air to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children where doctors pronounced him dead a couple hours later.

"He don't deserve that," Worrell's godmother, Tasha Nikajewett, said while in tears. "He was just happy. He was a happy little baby."

An autopsy of Worrell revealed that he had suffered a fractured rib, a bruised ear, an abrasion over his eye and a lacerated liver. The 2-year-old also tested positive for THC, commonly found in marijuana, said police.

Investigators initially said the boy's death was suspicious and his injuries were consistent with child abuse. [[404121786, C]]

Police questioned Andrea Worrell along with her boyfriend, who is not the child's natural father, said investigators.

Police charged the mom with child endangerment Thursday morning. The boyfriend wasn't immediately charged, said homicide investigators, who continued to look into the death.

Worrell remained jailed Friday on 10 percent of $200,000 bail, said court records. Her attorney had no immediate comment on the case.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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