Ruling In Death Of 4-Year-Old Released By Hillsborough Sheriff

WIMAUMA, FL — A medical examiner in Hillsborough County has ruled the death of a 4-year-old child a homicide, authorities said Wednesday.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office did not release a manner of death or identify the child, who was found dead around 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 20, in the 2500 block of Tee Time Road.

The child suffered upper body trauma, which led to their death, authorities said.

The Tampa Bay Times reported that the Florida Department of Children and Families database of state child deaths says that on Feb. 20 in Hillsborough County, a “4-year-old child was pronounced deceased after he was found unresponsive while playing outside unattended with a sibling.”

Authorities have not said if that state report is about the child who died in Wimauma.

“This is a heartbreaking case, and our detectives are working tirelessly to determine the events that led to this tragedy,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a news release. “We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring anyone responsible is held fully accountable.”

The investigation remains active.