NYC newborn’s family claims she died from SIDS after ME confirmed pit bull wasn’t culprit

A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Queens this week when a 1-month-old baby girl died from sudden infant death syndrome before being mauled by the family’s pit bull. The parents, Lillian Burton and her partner Christopher, spoke out in an interview with The Post, vehemently denying any involvement in their daughter’s death.

The couple explained that their 6-week-old pit bull mix named Bella had been euthanized following the incident. They maintained that they had no knowledge of what had happened to their baby until an autopsy revealed the cause of death.

Christopher revealed that their baby, Kiyanna Winfield, had underlying health issues, including a heart murmur. He insisted that she had died from SIDS and that the dog had only begun biting her face after she had passed away.

Initially, authorities suspected that Bella had attacked the baby, but the city medical examiner’s report confirmed that Kiyanna was already deceased when the dog began biting her. Christopher suggested that Bella may have been trying to help the baby by clearing her airway, mistaking her gasps for air as something obstructing her breathing.

The devastated parents woke up to a horrific scene in their apartment, with a substantial portion of Kiyanna’s face mauled. Despite their shock and grief, Lillian emphasized that she took excellent care of her children, refuting any claims of neglect.

Following the tragic incident, the family has been locked out of their apartment in the Queensbridge Houses public housing complex. While no criminality is suspected in Kiyanna’s death at this time, the investigation is ongoing.

This heartbreaking story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety precautions, especially when pets are involved. Our thoughts are with the family as they navigate this unimaginable loss.