19 Nov 2009

Police consider evidence on baby's death

3:11 pm on 19 November 2009

Evidence given at an inquest into the death of a seven-month-old baby will now be considered by the police.

Staranise Waru was admitted to Christchurch Hospital in February 2006 when her mother found her unresponsive and floppy. She died two days later.

A homicide investigation was begun but the police have not charged anyone and the case remains open.

Staranise Waru was in the care of her parents Nyree Hopa and Robert Waru, at the time she became ill.

Both gave evidence at an inquest held in Christchurch on Wednesday.

Senior Sergeant Mike Johnson says that evidence will now be looked over and considered for any possible ramifications.

On Wednesday, coroner Richard McElrea said he would adopt the findings of the pathologist, which showed the girl had severe brain trauma consistent with the kind of injuries a shaken baby could have.

At one point Ms Hope told the coroner that she "didn't do what they say I did, I would never harm her".