Community Corner

Baby Dies at Loma Linda University Medical Center, Mom and Boyfriend Accused of Homicide

A baby girl died Wednesday of traumatic injuries at Loma Linda University Medical Center, and the baby's teenage mother and her boyfriend were arrested in Palm Desert on suspicion of homicide, Riverside County sheriff's officials said Thursday.

The baby's injuries were discovered shortly after 6 a.m. Friday May 24 when Palm Desert deputies responded to a juvenile medical aid call in the 73000 block of Pinyon Street, sheriff's Sgt. Jeff Buompensiero said in a statement.

The 8-week-old girl was found not breathing and she was transported to Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage for treatment, Buompensiero said.

"Once the baby was stable she was flown to Loma Linda University Medical Center for further treatment," Buompensiero said. "At Loma Linda it was determined the baby had suffered several traumatic injuries to her body."

The baby succumbed to her injuries May 29 at Loma Linda University Medical Center, Deputy Albert Martinez of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department said in a phone interview.

The baby's mother, Sarah Catherine Connor, 19, and her boyfriend, Joseph Eugene Champion, 22, of Palm Desert, were arrested Wednesday night on suspicion of homicide, according to inmate records. Both were booked at the Indio Jail. Connor's bail was $1 million. Champion, determined to be in violation of state parole, was held without bail.

Anyone with more info was urged to call Detective Espinoza with the Central Homicide Unit at (760) 393-3500, or Detective Hughes with the Palm Desert Station at (760) 836-1600.

Reported by Patch Editors Renee Schiavone and Guy McCarthy.


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