Rome police officer's infant dies after being left in car

A 4 1/2-month-old child, who is the son of a Rome police officer, died Monday afternoon after being left in a car for an "extended period of time," Oneida County sheriff's deputies said.

By Micaela Parkermparker@uticaod.com
WESTERN – A 4-1/2-month-old child, who is the son of a Rome police officer, died Monday afternoon after being left in a car for an "extended period of time," Oneida County sheriff's deputies said.

The baby, Michael Fanfarillo, of Western, was found unresponsive by his father Mark Fanfarillo, of Elmer Hill Road, in his car at 4:40 p.m., deputies said.

The child was taken to Rome Memorial Hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.

The Onondaga County Medical Examiner will be performing an autopsy today to determine the cause of death.

Chief Deputy Jonathan Owens declined to provide additional information regarding the period of time that the child had been in the vehicle. In response to questioning he said it was too early to speculate on the possibility of negligence charges being filed.

Rome Police Chief Kevin Beach said 35-year-old Fanfarillo, a patrol officer, has been with the department since 2006.

"As it stands right now I've just granted him administrative leave in order to give him time to be with his family and grieve and deal with this tragedy," Beach said. "This investigation is being conducted by the sheriff's office, I can't comment on anything other than we're working to support Mark and his family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. This is an extremely difficult time for them."

The Lake Delta Fire Department responded, along with AmCare Ambulance. The investigation is continuing by the sheriff's office and the Oneida County District Attorney's Office.

District Attorney Scott McNamara declined to comment at this time.