New Bedford infant dies, man charged

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) -- A New Bedford man is facing charges after a 9-month old girl died at the hospital Thursday night.

According to New Bedford Police, the victim, identified as Ariel Eluziario, was driven to St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford at about 6 p.m., then flown to Hasbro Children's Hospital for surgery. She was pronounced dead shortly after 10 p.m. on Thursday night.

Ethen Harrison, 23, of New Bedford, has been charged with reckless endangerment of a child, assault and battery on a child causing substantial bodily injury, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Due to the nature of the injuries seen by doctors, police were notified and the investigation began late Thursday night.

During the investigation, Assistant District Attorney Nadeau said Harrison was interviewed and admitted to certain acts that were consistent with the injuries of the baby. He was alone with her just before her hospitalization.

Harrison is not the child's biological father, but lives in an Adams Street apartment with her mother.

Police are continuing to investigate, and said an autopsy to determine the exact cause of the infant's death is likely to be conducted Friday afternoon. 

Harrison is scheduled to return to court for a pretrial hearing on March 5th.