Injured Child’s Death Prompts Investigation

A 2-year-old Coeur d’Alene girl, who investigators suspect was abused, died Sunday.

Christina Campanelli died at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane shortly before 4 p.m., said Kootenai County Sheriff’s Capt. Ben Wolfinger.

Sheriff’s detectives are investigating her death. However, no one has been charged with a crime in connection with her death, and the sheriff’s department has not named any suspects.

The investigation has been focused on the two adults responsible for the child: Eileen Campanelli, the girl’s mother, and Federico “Rick” Cortez, the mother’s boyfriend.

Eileen Campanelli and Cortez brought Christina to Kootenai Medical Center Sept. 20. The girl was unconscious and had severe head wounds, numerous bruises and a bite mark on her arm, according to a Coeur d’Alene police report. She was flown to Sacred Heart Medical Center where she died five days later.

An autopsy will be performed on the toddler today to help officials better determine the cause of her injuries. Cortez told investigators that she had fallen and hurt herself, according to the police report.

, DataTimes