ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. -- An 18-month-old baby boy is dead and the persons of interests are the child's legal guardian and her wife.
The toddler was found unresponsive when emergency crews arrived at the family's home Saturday morning. Investigators are calling the death suspicious. We found this family is no stranger to police.
18-month-old Sebastian Lieb tragically died in this Zephyrhills home early Saturday morning.
“We saw forensics, fireman, and police cars,” says Eduardo Miranda, a neighbor.
Neighbors are still trying to come to terms with the news.
“It’s very sad,” says Miranda.
Police say Sebastian's biological parents are both in jail so a relative Kim Culp had custody. Culp’s wife Angela Burghy also lived with them. Those two are now behind bars after police found cocaine and marijuana inside of the home while investigating Sebastian's death. His death is still under investigation but both women are persons of interests.
Police say they have been at the home three times since February. They were all for domestic instances but nothing in regards to the baby. One neighbor tells us that he's seen -- firsthand -- a major problem with the 18-month-old.
“About 6 months ago, I was working on a friend’s truck and I heard something and she had a limp baby in hand,” says Jay Rivera, a neighbor.
Jay Rivera says Sebastian was unconscious. Rivera dialed 911 and they coached him through CPR bringing Sebastian back to life.
“I remember when he first opened his eyes. I was blown away by how cute he was,” says Rivera.
Rivera says the woman denied further medical attention once EMS arrived on scene saying the baby was now ok.
“It’s sad that we can’t get involved,” says Rivera.
Rivera says he knew there were red flags and hopes only now justice will be served.
“When I got the call this morning to come outside and it was the same house, my heart just dropped. I thought it could be avoided,” says Rivera.
Police are calling the death suspicious and are waiting on autopsy results before more charges are filed.
There was another child in the home at the time who has now been turned over to the Department of Children and Families.
If you ever fear that a child may be in danger, you can always call the DCF 24-hour hotline at 1-800-962-2873
