Investigation underway into suspicious death of 5-month-old baby on Hawaii Island

PUNA (HawaiiNewsNow) - An investigation is underway into the suspicious death of a 5-month-old baby boy on Hawaii Island.

Police said 21-year-old Yasmine Michelle Lilia Butterfield of Kalapana confessed to her boyfriend that she killed their baby son on New Year’s Eve.

Meanwhile, police said the mother remains in custody for a separate domestic violence dispute.

Butterfield is charged with various domestic-related offenses, including two counts of second-degree assault and abuse of a family member.

In the early-morning hours of New Year’s Eve, investigators said Butterfield and her 20-year-old boyfriend sought medical attention after their baby became unresponsive.

The baby was pronounced dead at Hilo Medical Center just before 6 a.m.

According to police, Butterfield and her boyfriend got into an argument later that day regarding the death of their son.

The victim told police that Butterfield struck him several times with a wooden block, a metal broom stick and threatened him with a knife when he attempted to leave the home and also stopped him from calling for help.

It wasn’t until the following morning he was able to call police when Butterfield left the home. Authorities said he declined medical attention.

A preliminary autopsy showed the 5-month-old baby suffered life-threatening traumatic injuries.

No charges have been filed regarding the infant’s death; the official cause is still under investigation.

Butterfield is due back in court on Thursday. Her bail is set at $43,000.

This story will be updated.

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