5-year-old twins found dead inside Bronx apartment, NYPD says
NEW YORK -- Police are investigating the deaths of 5-year-old twins in the Bronx.
The line for the food pantry on Topping Avenue in the Mount Hope neighborhood was missing three people on Monday night.
"Every Monday, we see them and they are really sweet. The mother really takes care of the kids," food pantry pastor Randholf Andujar said.
That mother and her twins, a boy and a girl, used to join the line every week, but on Monday morning, police found the youngsters dead in their East 175th Street apartment.
"It was heartbreaking because last night I was talking with my wife about trying to get something for the kids for Christmas and we were speaking specifically about these two kids," Andujar said.
Police said their mom called 911 just before noon to report her children were unconscious. Sources told CBS New York they had an underlying health condition and were sent home sick from school last week.
"Even myself going up there and the officers, when you go up and you see two 5-year-olds laying on the floor unresponsive and cold at this time of the year, you can imagine what the family's going through. You can imagine what the mother is going through, the father," said NYPD Assistant Chief Benjamin Gurley, commanding officer of patrol in the Bronx.
Police are still investigating whether this is a criminal case or a tragic accident. Authorities told CBS New York there was no carbon monoxide detected upstairs, no visible injuries to the children, and no known history of domestic violence with the family.
"At this time, we don't know if there was any foul play," Gurley said.
The community is waiting for answers, lighting candles and saying prayers.
"We want to let them know that they're not alone. We love them. We pray for them and we're here for each and every one of them," the Rev. Oswald Dennis said.
Police said the twins' father is cooperating at the precinct. Their mother has been hospitalized for emotional distress.