Teen Dies From Shaken Baby Syndrome

Markeda Oyeyinka's death ruled a homicide, but mother already acquitted

A 17-year-old girl died Monday after years of severe health problems caused by shaken baby syndrome.

Markeda Oyeyinka was diagnosed with the condition in 1993. Her death was ruled a homicide on Tuesday, after her autopsy revealed that head trauma from years ago stemmed the flow of oxygen to her brain, the Chicago Tribune reports.

The teen's mother, Theresa Oyeyinka, was charged in the 1993 attack. She was later acquitted, and experts told the Tribune that Oyeyinka can't be tried for the same crime again. In order to charge Oyeyinka this time, prosecutors need to show that there was more than one instance of abuse that led to her daughter's death.

Most children diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome survive their injuries, according to the report. Shaken baby syndrome can lead to a wide variety of disabilities, including learning and behavioral problems, blindness and cerebral palsy.

 

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