Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Crimes Against Children Unit

Joriel Calderone-Hernandez (Deceased)
DOB: 02/16/2017
Address: 11831 94^th Street North, Largo

Christine E. Scott (medical foster mother)
DOB: 09/09/1953
Address: 11831 94^th Street North, Largo

What:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit are investigating the death of a 5-month-old infant in unincorporated Largo.

When:
Deputies responded at about 12 p.m. on July 26, 2017.

The child was pronounced deceased at about 12:43 p.m. on July 26, 2017.

Where:
The incident occurred at a residence located at 11831 94^th Street North, in unincorporated Largo.

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit are investigating the death of a 5-month-old infant in unincorporated Largo.

At about 12 p.m. on July 26, 2017, deputies were called to a residence located at 11831 94^th Street North, in unincorporated Largo, regarding an unresponsive child. When deputies arrived, paramedics were performing CPR on 5-month-old Joriel Calderone-Hernandez.

Paramedics transported Joriel to Largo Medical Center. Joriel was pronounced deceased at about 12:43 p.m. on July 26, 2017.

Detectives say Joriel was in the care of his medical foster parent, 63-year-old Christine Scott. Scott fed Joriel and put him to bed at about 1:45 a.m. on July 26, 2017. Scott informed detectives she used a baby audio/video monitor to check on Joriel while he slept. Scott went into the room to check on Joriel at about 11:55 a.m. and found the child unresponsive.

Scott called 911 and performed CPR on the infant until paramedics arrived.

According to detectives, Joriel had no obvious signs of injury or trauma. Joriel was suffering from a pre-existing respiratory problem and other medical issues. The child received medical treatment from All Children’s Hospital multiple times in the last few months.  

Detectives say Scott had been caring for Joriel as a medical foster parent since June 2, 2017.

The investigation continues.