Ten months after the tragic death of a toddler in Gilbert, Arizona, the investigation remains ongoing, despite initial conclusions by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner. The mother of the child, Cheyenne Benthin, is now taking legal action against the Gilbert Police Department, urging them to close the case and clear her name.

The Tragic Incident

Heston Bartlett, a 22-month-old toddler, passed away on July 21, 2023, under mysterious circumstances. Cheyenne Benthin, his mother, recounts finding him unresponsive in his bed during the night, prompting immediate emergency response efforts. Despite these efforts, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.

Suspicion and Investigation

Following the incident, Gilbert Police initiated an investigation, focusing their attention on Benthin and her fiancé. Benthin alleges that during questioning, the lead detective displayed a predisposition towards her guilt, stating that someone was going to prison over this. This suspicion escalated further when it was revealed that the child had multiple respiratory viruses, leading to a probable seizure as per the Medical Examiner’s report.

Legal Battle and Custody Issues

The aftermath of the incident saw significant legal ramifications for Benthin. With primary custody of her two children, including Heston and his sister, Benthin faced a custody challenge from the father of her daughter. Citing concerns over Benthin’s involvement in the investigation and the autopsy findings, the court granted custody to the father and imposed supervised visitation for Benthin.

Autopsy Findings and Police Response

The autopsy report revealed the presence of respiratory viruses in Heston’s system, indicating a heightened risk of a febrile seizure. Furthermore, the report noted bruising consistent with a toddler’s typical injuries, dispelling initial suspicions of foul play. Despite these findings, Gilbert Police have yet to close the case, prompting frustration and legal action from Benthin and her attorney, Jessica Hernandez.

Police Department’s Response

Gilbert Police declined to comment on the specifics of the ongoing investigation, citing its sensitive nature and pending litigation. However, they emphasized their commitment to thorough investigations and stated that they are actively working on the case.

Legal Action and Demand for Closure

In response to the prolonged investigation, Benthin filed a notice of claim against Gilbert Police, accusing them of interfering with her parental rights and conducting a biased investigation. Hernandez, Benthin’s attorney, contends that the department has had ample time to conclude the investigation and demands swift action to clear Benthin’s name.

Possible Impacts and Continuing Challenges

The delay in resolving the investigation into Heston Bartlett’s death not only prolongs the emotional turmoil for his family but also raises questions about the efficacy and timeliness of police investigations. As legal proceedings continue, the quest for closure and justice remains paramount for all involved parties.

As the case unfolds, it underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in balancing legal procedures with emotional needs, highlighting the importance of transparent and expeditious investigative processes in such sensitive matters.

For the latest updates on this developing story, download The Local News App.

[Note: The information presented in this article is based on publicly available sources and official statements. Any errors or inaccuracies are unintentional.]

Source