A New Jersey infant is dead, and her parents now face murder charges after police say the 3-month-old suffered injuries comparable to a high-speed car crash.

Ruben Santiago, 36, and Caitlin M. Gibson, 28, were charged with the brutal homicide of their baby girl following a horrifying sequence of abuse that ended in her death on May 6, 2025, as the New York Post reports.

The tragic case began unfolding on May 3, when the couple reported that their daughter had developed vomiting and diarrhea. Concerned about her condition, they brought her to a hospital on May 4. Medical staff administered intravenous fluids and discharged the infant later that day.

The following evening, on May 5, at approximately 7:20 p.m., Santiago and Gibson called 911 after their baby became unresponsive and struggled to breathe. Emergency personnel transported the baby to a nearby hospital. Medical professionals were alarmed by the extent of trauma discovered.

According to attending doctors, the baby had a significant brain bleed, seven fractured ribs, and a broken wrist. Despite their efforts, the infant succumbed to her injuries the next morning, on May 6.

Medical examiner weighs in

An autopsy determined the child suffered blunt force trauma to the head, resulting in a fractured skull and a subdural hematoma. The medical examiner concluded the force involved was not typical of household accidents. Instead, it was likened to the violent energy associated with “a significant motor vehicle crash.”

The baby’s name is being withheld by Ocean County prosecutors. Authorities confirmed that both parents were arrested a day following the child's death, on May 7. Initially taken into custody for questioning, they were officially charged with murder later in the investigation.

Investigators said Santiago first gave one explanation: that a glass bottle had accidentally fallen on his daughter’s head. However, his story later changed. According to statements given to police, Santiago next claimed that the baby slipped from his grasp while he was lifting her out of a bouncy seat.

Father's conflicting stories raise suspicion

In later interviews, Santiago introduced another possible cause of injury, suggesting the baby may have made contact with the metal support on the bouncer or possibly struck a television stand during the incident. However, forensic findings do not support any minor accidental causes.

Experts ruled out all explanations that involved minor accidents. The magnitude of the bleeding, fractures, and internal damage found in the child pointed to repeated acts of violence, rather than mishandling. Authorities have since declared the child’s death a homicide.

Caitlin M. Gibson, the child’s mother, is also being charged in connection with the fatal incident. Though her direct role has not been disclosed, she remains in custody alongside Santiago. Both are waiting trial at the Ocean County Jail.

Community shaken after charges filed

The charges were formally filed in September, months after the initial arrests. Prosecutors did not provide details on when the trial would begin, but confirmed both defendants will be held until then. A grand jury is expected to hear more evidence in the coming months.

While investigators have said little about how long the abuse may have gone undetected, the timeline of events occurring within just a few days has sparked sorrow and outrage across the local community. Social media users and neighbors have expressed grief -- and confusion -- over how such severe trauma could occur in such a young child.

This case highlights concerns around recognizing signs of domestic abuse and the responsibilities placed on caretakers. It also raises renewed questions about how authorities can intervene before tragic outcomes occur.

Lessons to learn

1. Infant injuries should always be investigated thoroughly. Unexplained bruising, behavioral changes, or repeated visits to the hospital warrant close evaluation by medical professionals and child welfare authorities. Even if addressed once, patterns of illness or injury should raise red flags that require a second look.

2. Conflicting stories need to be investigated. When caretakers offer varying or contradictory accounts of how a child was injured, those shifts in explanation must be taken seriously. Law enforcement and child services should treat inconsistencies as potential evidence of abuse.

3. Crime can affect anyone, and victims are never to blame. No infant deserves what this child endured, and no action -- or inaction -- can be used to justify violence. While these lessons may help protect children, it’s essential to remember that responsibility lies solely with perpetrators.

Why this story matters

Stories like this remind the public of the importance of child welfare systems and medical vigilance.

A tragic case such as this can highlight gaps in family support or missed intervention opportunities.

Keeping the story in the public eye honors the victim’s life and informs necessary policy discussions.