Police investigate mother in South St. Paul boy's death

Officials with the South St. Paul police department believe a 10-year-old boy who was found dead in his home Monday afternoon may have been killed by his mother.

Police responded to a call of an unconscious child around 5:30 p.m. Monday in the 700 block of First Avenue South, according to Police Chief Danny Vujovich. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Based on evidence and statements gathering during the course of the investigation, the focus remains on the mother," said Vujovich, adding that no other suspects have been identified.

Vujovich said the boy's 12-year-old sister was found unconscious and breathing at the home. She was taken to Children's Hospital in St. Paul, where she is continuing to receive medical attention, Vujovich said.

The mother was taken to United Hospital, where she remains under police supervision.

A 16-year-old daughter who also lives in the home was not present at the time of the incident.

Vujovich would not say whether the incident was an attempted murder-suicide. He said police have made no arrests in the case yet.

Results of an autopsy conducted by the Dakota County Medical Examiner's Office Tuesday to determine the exact cause of the boy's death were not immediately available Wednesday morning.

Vujovich said Dakota County Social Services is aware of the incident and is taking action to secure care for the two daughters.

Vujovich said the incident is still under investigation and would not elaborate on what type of injuries any of the victims suffered. However, Vujovish said Tuesday they were not gunshot wounds.