The parents of a five-month-old baby boy have been arrested for murder a day after he passed away in hospital.

The baby, named Casey Sams, was taken to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati in the US state of Ohio on 22nd December when police officers found him unresponsive at the family’s home.

The Cincinnati Police Department said: “Upon arrival, responding officers located the male infant unresponsive. Cincinnati Fire Department personnel responded and transported the infant to Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center.”

However, the baby passed away on 27th December and Shakayla Sams, 19, and Donte Farrier, 19, have been arrested for murder, according to local media.

Sams is reportedly the victim’s mother and the couple shares at least one other child together, but Farrier is not the boy’s father. They were already facing a case of endangering children, according to the police.

Two of their children suffered unspecified injuries dating back to 22nd June, according to reports.

Hamilton County Coroner’s Office Chief Investigator Justin Weber said the results of the autopsy are still pending, and as such, investigators do not yet have a cause of death or possible motive.

Although the police have yet to announce how the baby was fatally injured, neighbours said they heard the couple arguing on the day in question.

Neighbour Denise George said. “I’m sad that that little baby had to go through that… Anybody in any domestic violence situation, you need to reach out and get help. They got too many resources and stuff like this happen every day.”

Another neighbour and family friend called Nicole said she was unaware of what caused the baby’s death, adding: “He had these big, gushing, beautiful eyeballs. His smile just made you smile and light up. Casey is going to be truly missed.

“He deserved to live a life like everybody else. Now he’s gone.”

The investigation continues.