In the winter of 2016, the life of a 2-month-old boy named Bentley Rice was tragically cut short in Phoenix, Arizona. On January 8th, the infant was rushed to a local hospital in extremely critical condition, suffering from severe head trauma. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Bentley was pronounced deceased.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young male's death was immediately launched.
The Maricopa Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy and ruled the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head, officially classifying the manner of death as a homicide. The medical examiner's report noted that the precise way the injuries were inflicted was unknown, but it was most likely the result of actions by another person or persons. A joint investigation was undertaken by the Phoenix Police Department and the Arizona Department of Child Safety.
Prior to his death, the Department of Child Safety had received a report of neglect concerning Bentley and his mother in October 2015. An investigation into this allegation was still active at the time of his death. As of the last public reports, no arrests have been made in connection with Bentley Rice's homicide, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The case remains an open investigation.
