Father charged with negligent homicide after infant death in Bergen

A man in his 40s from Eastern Europe has been charged with negligent homicide after his weeks-old infant was found dead in Bergen on Thursday morning, Dagbladet reports.

Emergency services responded to the address at 06:20 and attempted resuscitation, but the child was declared dead shortly after. The father, who was present at the home, was detained and questioned on Thursday afternoon. Police prosecutor Marcus Monsen confirmed the interrogation is ongoing.

“The accused has provided an account of the events. He is naturally deeply affected by the gravity and tragic outcome of the case,” Monsen said.

The child’s autopsy is scheduled for Friday. No external injuries have been observed on the infant.

The child’s mother, who was not at the scene, was charged Thursday afternoon with leaving the child in a helpless state. According to Monsen, the allegation is that she entrusted the infant to someone clearly unable to provide the necessary care and safety.

Her defence lawyer, Bjarte Aarlie, said she was in shock after receiving the news of the death and subsequent charge. Police hope to question her in the near future.

Police have not confirmed whether others were present in the home. The parents do not live together.