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Posted: 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011

Autopsy Results Show Somerset Co. Baby Died As Result Of Abuse

By Maria Miller

URSINA, Pa. —

Autopsy results have just been released, showing abuse was a factor in a Somerset County baby's death last month. Now her mother is being charged with failing to provide the medical care she needed.

Amanda Svenungsen, 22, was charged on Monday with endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person. This comes after the Aug. 5 death of her 18-month-old baby Baylee at a house along Park Road in Ursina, Somerset County. Police say the baby was found dead in her crib in the early morning hours.

Autopsy results released by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's office list the cause of death as asphyxiation. They've ruled it a homicide.

"The cause of death was listed asphyxiation due to smothering and compression on the neck," said Somerset County State Police Cpl. Edward Thomas. "The investigation is still ongoing. "

According to court documents, the house where Baylee was found belongs to Cody Schartiger, 26; the boyfriend with whom Svenungsen lives. He's in the Somerset County jail after violating his bail from an incident last November. In that case, Schartiger was charged with five offenses, including aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child. According to the criminal complaint, Schartiger was accused of attempting to smother a previous girlfiend's 3-year-old causing the child to lose consciousness. Court records show he's still awaiting trial on that case.

State police say the investigation into the baby's death is ongoing. While her mother is facing charges, she has not been charged with the abuse.

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