Infant's decapitation during birth ruled homicide after family files lawsuit alleging medical negligence
CLAYTON COUNTY, GEORGIA: A baby, Treveon Isaiah Taylor Jr delivered at a hospital in 2023 was somehow decapitated during birth, something which is now being ruled out as homicide by Clayton County Medical Examiner's Office, according to TMZ.
The mother involved in this distressing case of negligence, 20-year-old Jessica Ross, recounts being urgently taken to Southern Regional Medical Center in Clayton County, GA, in July 2023 after her water broke. Subsequently, she endured a prolonged labor.
Officials ruled out the death of the baby as a homicide
In a chilling incident, the lawsuit alleges that doctors exerted excessive force on the baby's head and neck, resulting in fractures to the skull, head, and neck, ultimately leading to the baby's decapitation.
Since then, the family has initiated legal action against Tracey St Julian, the delivering doctor, her OBGYN practice, the hospital, and the nurses and doctors who participated in the birth.
The lawsuit encompasses the heartbreaking loss of the baby and allegations of medical negligence. It further claims that the hospital tried to conceal the infant's decapitation.
According to the medical examiner's report, the baby's death was caused by the "fracture-dislocation" of his upper cervical spine and spinal cord.
Although the death occurred on July 9 of last year, the case was not brought to the attention of the Clayton County Police and the Medical Examiner's office until July 13. A recent autopsy has confirmed that the case will be treated as a homicide.
'Bones of the baby's skull, face, and neck were broken'
Attorney Roderick Edmond, who is also a doctor representing the couple, claimed that Dr St Julian had exerted "ridiculously excessive force" on the baby.
"Dr St Julian came in, and she, in the process of trying to deliver the baby, pulled on the baby's head and neck so hard and manipulated them so hard, that the bones of the baby's skull, face, and neck were broken." said the lawyer.
As per the lawsuit, the couple had requested a cesarean delivery, however, Dr St Julian, a certified obstetrician and gynecologist, allegedly neglected to carry out the procedure at the necessary moment.
Prime Healthcare Services, the hospital's owner, released a statement expressing its condolences, stating that its "heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the family and all those affected by this tragic event."
The lawsuit alleges deliberate infliction of mental distress, fraud, and egregious negligence. In addition to seeking unspecified compensatory damages, it also requests $10,000 to cover the infant's funeral expenses.
The couple's attorneys highlight the case as shedding light on the higher infant mortality rates among Black women. As of now, Dr St Julian has not issued a public statement regarding the matter or provided her defense.
