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WINTHROP, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A two-year-old found unresponsive at the home of a former Winthrop police lieutenant charged with child rape has died, authorities said Friday.
Withrop Fire and Police responded to the Pleasant Street home of James Feeley at around 10 a.m. for a report of a female toddler needing immediate emergency medical aid. The child was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, where they were pronounced dead, officials said.
"The fire department has done a heroic job today, made decisive decisions under emergency conditions, to get this child the medical treatment necessary as soon as possible, and certainly we thank them for their service," Winthrop Police Chief Terence Delehanty said at a press conference Friday.
"The initial investigation into the death of a two-year-old in Winthrop today indicates no signs of foul play or physical trauma. We are awaiting an autopsy to determine cause of death," Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden's office said in a statement.
According to Massachusetts State Police, a preliminary investigation suggests the child had had an illness in recent days and was at home with her mother, who was the one who called 911 for medical aid.
Feeley, 56, of Winthrop, was arraigned last month on one count of aggravated child rape and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child younger than 14.
Previously released court documents said Feeley was a foster parent. The Department of Children and Families told WBZ NewsRadio that there have been no foster children residing in the home since December.
After his arraignment, Feeley was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a state police criminal investigation.
Delehanty said Friday that Feeley was no longer part of the Winthrop Police Department. Feeley remains in jail.
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