Pocono News Section

Criminal Charges Filed in Connection with Baby Death Investigation

Criminal Charges Filed in Connection with Baby Death Investigation - Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 4:08PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, Feb 26, 2008 @04:08pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - The first criminal charges have been filed in connection with the death of a three-year-old girl who died inside a West Scranton home last Thursday.

Tuesday morning, police announced they have an arrest warrent out for 25-year-old Darak WIlliams. He is still on the run tonight but wanted for one felony count of endangering the welfare of children. Investigators say Williams was caring for Kavannah Salvador the day she died inside a home on North Hyde Park Avenue.

Investigators say Williams was negligent in calling for help when he found the baby not breathing.

"Instead of calling 911 for emergency assistance, he decided to call the mother of the child at work," police chief David Elliott said at a news conference.

Along with the baby's mother, Kashema Reddish, Williams brought the baby to Scranton's Community Medical Center.

"Medical exams show that the baby had been dead for several hours before being brought to the hospital," Elliott said.

But that wasn't the end of the investigation. An autopsy also showed Kavannah Salvador had cuts and bruises all over her body. Court papers show the three-year-old had fractured bones, bleeding of the brain and damaged internal organs. Police say the girl had been abused for years.

"I think fairly, it could be said that this girl led quite a tortured existence at that residence," Assistant District Attorney Gene Talerico said.

While Williams has not been charged with the baby's death, investigators are eager to talk with him. They say he may still be in Northeast Pennsylvania.

"We have several locations that we're looking at... but there is nothing set in stone as to where he's at," Elliott said.

Also up in the air, is whether the baby's mother could face charges.

"With regard to the final decisions regarding charging, they have not been made at this time," Talerico said.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Darak Williams, you're urged to call the Scranton Police Department.