2-Year-Old Died of “Severe Head Trauma”

A 2-year-old boy has died after suffering "severe head trauma," prompting police to investigate "suspicious circumstances" surrounding the death.

Police received a 9-1-1 call around 7:20 p.m. Thursday from a man saying his 2-year-old son was "unconscious and not breathing" at 10210 San Diego Mission Road, said police spokesperson Lt. Terry McManus.

Dispatch personnel helped the man with resuscitation efforts until paramedics arrived, and the boy was taken to Rady Children's Hospital, where doctors determined "severe head trauma was likely the cause of his medical distress," McManus said.

The child was pronounced dead Friday at 5 p.m.

According to preliminary reports, the boy had started experiencing "seizure-like symptoms" before the 911 call, probably due to a previous head injury, McManus said. Detectives are investigating the cause and extent of that injury.

"Both parents are cooperating with police at this point in the investigation," McManus said.

The child's name was withheld pending further notification of family members and the results of an autopsy expected to be performed Saturday afternoon.