State police investigating baby found dead in Herkimer County car

HERKIMER COUNTY, N.Y. -- State police are investigating the tragic death of a 15-month-old girl in a Herkimer County village.

State Police say the child died after her father accidentally left her in a vehicle outside her grandfather's Dolgeville home for nearly seven hours Wednesday.

The father spent the morning dropping two children off at school, another off at a different relative's home, and made his way to the grandfather's home where he changed vehicles and left. That was at around 8 a.m. The grandfather found the girl at about 2:40 in the afternoon.

A Crime Victim's Specialist will work with the family in the coming days to help them get through the tragedy.

Police say there are many unanswered questions still surrounding the child's death.

"It's a routine they would normally do with leaving with babysitters. Unfortunately we are still investigating the exact reason why the child was inadvertently left inside the vehicle," said NYS Troop D Spokesman Jack Keller.

An autopsy is planned for Thursday morning and will determine if weather was a factor.

Police say the case will eventually be turned over to the district attorney who will decide if any charges will be filed.