Police not issuing charges in child’s death

Clark County

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October 11, 2012

Police not issuing charges in child’s death

Coroner: Toddler’s injuries consistent with vehicle accident

By GARY POPP gary.popp@newandtribune.com The News and Tribune Thu Oct 11, 2012, 10:43 PM EDT

OTISCO — Clark County Sheriff’s deputies said the cause of death of 18-month-old Aiden Maples remains unresolved.

The toddler was killed about 6 p.m. Wednesday while playing with other children in front of his home in the 1100 block of Leon Prall Road in Otisco.

The Clark County coroner said Thursday that Maples’ injuries were consistent with being struck by a vehicle.

Investigators are looking into the possibility that Maples died after being struck by a vehicle driven by his mother’s cousin, who was at the home near the time of the child’s death to pick up her children who Maples’ mother was baby-sitting.

The woman behind the wheel of the vehicle was questioned by investigators Thursday afternoon.

Clark County Sheriff’s Maj. Chuck Adams said the woman was very upset and cooperative during the interview.

Adams said the vehicle left the home after picking up her children, and returned about 8 p.m. at the request of Maples’ mother.

Deputies were still on the scene when the woman returned and impounded her vehicle for processing.

Adams said the vehicle was impounded to rule out or substantiate if the vehicle was involved.

Adams said no one will be charged in the death until the case is handed over to the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office on Friday, at which time it will be up to prosecutor Steve Stewart to decide if charges will be issued.

Deputies spoke with the child’s mother who said she didn’t know what happened to her son, Adams said.

She told deputies she was in the house at the time of the accident, and her son and other children she was baby-sitting were playing outside, Adams said.

He said when deputies arrived Maples was lying face down on the gravel driveway. Emergency Medical Services attempted CPR before the coroner pronounced the death about 7 p.m.

Adams said the investigation will continue into Friday, before handing the case over to Stewart.

Check newsandtribune.com and print editions for updates.