Without information from a complete death scene investigation involving sudden unexplained infant deaths, it is difficult to determine cause of death. Several studies provide evidence to support the hypothesis that SIDS and other SUID are more accurately diagnosed when information from a death scene investigation is used to make the diagnosis (Bass and Hass). Standardized protocols exist for coroners and child abuse experts; few if any are required for law enforcement death scene investigators.
An analysis of twenty two infant deaths under one year of age was conducted within Trumbull County. An additional five cases from the text “The Death of Innocents” were
reviewed. The data collection instrument was a data sheet that contained twenty three SUID/SIDS related factors, such as, demographics of victim and caretaker, manner and cause of death, infant health, and death scene related factors. Resulting data was analyzed than tested for
statistical correlation based on the use of a protocol in relation to the ruling of SIDS or none SIDS.
An extensive literature review is offered. It reviews all of the factors used in the data collection instrument. Past and current national and international research and theory on SUID and SIDS is cited.
Overall it appears that in the absence of a protocol being used the ruling was more likely SIDS or asphyxia than other rulings of cause of death. Other factors that were correlated with cause of death are age of infant at time of death, prenatal development, and health of infant prior
to death.