Deondre Deshaun Hairston Jr., a 27-day-old male infant, was brought unresponsive to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio by his mother, Diamond Caldwell, on the morning of July 4, 2023, and was pronounced dead at approximately 8:20 a.m. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide, with the cause of death being blunt impacts to the head with subdural hematoma and brain injuries. The infant also had marks on his neck that appeared to be fingernails, bruising on his neck, a black eye, and abrasions. The child's mother initially told authorities she was the only one with the baby overnight. Three people were arrested: the mother Diamond Caldwell (21), the father Deondre Hairston (22), and the father's cousin Michael Berry (18). The father later pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, the mother pleaded guilty to endangering children and obstructing justice, and the cousin pleaded guilty to obstructing justice and was sentenced to two years probation.
Contexts/Conditions
Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?
Is there any mention of a drowning incident (either intentional or accidental)?
Is there any mention of a firearm incident?
Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?
Is there any mention of inflicted injury? (e.g. slapped, punched, kicked, choked)
The medical examiner report (OH_23_674.pdf) lists the cause of death as "Blunt impacts to the head with subdural hematoma and brain injuries" with manner of death ruled homicide. The June 2024 news article further states the infant "had marks on his neck that appeared to be fingernails, bruising on his neck, a black eye and abrasions." These details describe inflicted injuries including blunt force strikes to the head and apparent choking or grabbing of the neck.
Is there any mention of malnutrition, starvation, or dehydration?
Is there any mention of medical neglect?
Is there any mention of a motor vehicle crash or incident?
Is there any mention of a murder-suicide incident?
Is there any mention of outdoor elements (including hot car deaths)?
Is there any mention of prenatal substance exposure (including fetal alcohol syndrome or neonatal abstinence syndrome)?
Is there any mention of sexual abuse?
Is there any specific mention of shaken baby or abusive head trauma?
The medical examiner report states the cause of death was "Blunt impacts to the head with subdural hematoma and brain injuries" in a 27-day-old infant ruled a homicide. Subdural hematoma and brain injuries from blunt impacts to the head of an infant constitute abusive head trauma.
Is there any mention of prolonged abuse or torture (including restraints, captivity)?
Is there any mention of an unsafe sleeping environment?
Individuals Involved
Was an adoptive parent or guardian involved in the death?
Was a biological father involved in the death?
The biological father, 22-year-old Deondre Hairston, was arrested in connection with the death (per the July 2023 news article). The June 2024 news article states "Deondre Hairston pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter," directly implicating him in causing the child's death.
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
The biological mother, 21-year-old Diamond Caldwell, was initially charged with murder (per cleveland.com). She later "pleaded guilty to endangering children and obstructing justice" (per the June 2024 news article). Her involvement is confirmed through her arrest and guilty pleas to charges related to the child's death.
Was a day care worker, babysitter, or nanny involved in the death?
Was a female paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., girlfriend, stepmother)?
Was a foster parent involved in the death?
Was a male paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., boyfriend, stepfather)?
Was another adult relative involved in the death? (e.g., grandfather, aunt)
The June 2024 news article identifies "Hairston's cousin, Michael Berry" (age 18) as having been arrested and having "pleaded guilty on March 7 to obstructing justice and was sentenced to two years probation." The July 2023 article confirms Berry "is related to Hairston." As an adult relative (cousin), he was involved through obstructing justice in connection with the death.
Was a sibling involved in the death?
Child Characteristics
Was the child adopted?
Was the child homeschooled (including "cyberschooling") or taken out of school?
Was the child in foster care at the time of the incident?
Was the child living with relatives at the time of the incident (but not parents)?
Is there any mention of a neurological developmental child disability? (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, nonverbal)
Is there any mention of a physical child disability? (e.g., feeding tube)
Is there any mention of prematurity or low birthweight?
Is there a history of child protection reports prior to death (for this child or siblings)?
Does the child have a history of foster care (but not in care at time of incident)?
Is there a history of a sibling death (separate incident from this death)?
Parent/Caregiver Factors
Was an adult charged or arrested for the child's death?
Multiple sources confirm adults were arrested and charged. The July 2023 news article states "police arrested the infants' parents, 21-year-old Diamond Caldwell and 22-year-old Deondre Hairston, and 18-year-old Michael Berry." The cleveland.com article states "Caldwell was charged with murder." The June 2024 article confirms Hairston pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, Caldwell pleaded guilty to endangering children and obstructing justice, and Berry pleaded guilty to obstructing justice.
Is domestic violence by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is there any mention that the death occurred in a temporary shelter or while homeless?
Is an intellectual disability of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is the mental health of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is a history of arrests or criminal charges for the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Notable Details
The June 2024 news article reports a notable legal development: "In May, Deondre Hairston pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. He was scheduled to be sentenced on June 10, but then told the judge he wants to change his plea." The hearing was continued. Additionally, the mother was initially charged with murder (per cleveland.com) but ultimately pleaded guilty to the lesser charges of endangering children and obstructing justice. The mother also initially "told authorities she was the only one with the baby overnight" (per cleveland.com), which appears to have been misleading given the subsequent arrest and manslaughter guilty plea of the father. Her obstructing justice charge may relate to this initial false statement.
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