Couple in custody in connection with their baby's death in East Chicago

CBS News Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) – Police have arrested a couple charged in connection with the death of their 2-month-old baby last year.

Chicago police responded to a tip and both were taken into custody without incident.

East Chicago police issued arrest warrants for Eric Rangell Jr. and Sandra Sosa after their son, Eric Rangell III, died last year due to "massive brain hemorrhage."

On Friday, police announced the warrants for the parents' arrest and said in a press conference that they are looking for them.

"What we're asking the public today is to help us find the parents so that we can bring them to justice," said Police Chief Jose Rivera. "We don't know where they're at."

On July 7, 2022, police were called to a residence in the 3600 block of Parrish Avenue in East Chicago for a death investigation. Officers found Rangell Jr. attempting to perform CPR on the baby. Officers saw that the baby's body was "entirely limp," according to Rivera.

The baby was pronounced dead at St. Catherine's Hospital in East Chicago. Police said a doctor ruled the death a homicide due to blunt force trauma. The baby was also malnourished with a low body weight.

Police secured charges against the baby's parents this week.

Rangell Jr. was charged with murder, aggravated battery, neglect of a dependent resulting in serious injury and aggravated battery. Sosa was charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in serious injury.

Police released a photo of Rangell Jr. and Sosa. 

Eric Rangell Jr. Provided to CBS
Sandra Sosa Provided to CBS

Police added they haven't had any previous contact with the parents, despite attempts to do so, since their baby's death. 

The couple also had an older child who was taken from the home by the state's Department of Children's Services.

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