Slain Calgary baby died of head trauma

A baby boy who died at the Alberta Children's Hospital this week was a victim of homicide, Calgary police said Thursday.

Daniel Herchak was 26 days old when he died of blunt force trauma to the head, an initial autopsy concluded.

"The injuries are believed to be non-accidental in nature," said acting Insp. Doug Andrus.

Paramedics were called to a home in the southwest neighbourhood of Lakeview on Monday morning, and took the boy to the Calgary hospital.

"The infant died within 10 hours of his arrival at the hospital. His condition upon arrival was such that the child abuse unit was notified," said Andrus.

The baby's mother, who is 18, and family members who were taking care of the infant at the time are co-operating with investigators, he said.

"The father is not being investigated. He is estranged from the mother, and he has not been involved in rearing the child," said Andrus.

No one has been arrested, and no charges have been laid. The investigation continues.

A handwritten sign on the Lakeview home on Thursday read: "No comment. Please leave the property."

The boy's death is Calgary's 10th homicide of the year.