Jessica Ross and Treveon Isaiah Taylor, Sr., the parents of a child who tragically died during a difficult birth last summer, spoke Wednesday following news that the death was officially ruled as a homicide by the medical examiner's office.
The Clayton County Medical Examiner's Office said the cause of death was from a "fracture-dislocation with complete transection, upper cervical spine and spinal cord."
It also said that ruling the manner of death as a homicide means the death was caused by the actions of another person. At this time, there is no word on whether charges will be filed against anyone in light of the news. Clayton County Police are still investigating the case.
Lawyers for the family touched on the multiple lawsuits launched behind the death, including against the hospital, which the council alleges attempted to cover up the child's manner of death.
Taylor said, "We want justice for our son; they lied to us." Meanwhile, Ross was next to his side, fighting to hold back tears. She eventually left the room.
"It's been tough on the whole family," one of the lawyers told reporters. "They have been strong and resilient."
The family's legal team also specified that they are still working to depose all those who were in the room at the time of the birth.
11Alive's Molly Oak spoke with the family after the press conference. The parents opened up more about the pain they're dealing with.
"I just want justice for my baby boy. I’m hurt. I’m hurt bad. [The doctor] hurt me. She took my baby," said Ross. "She didn’t show no emotions. I just want justice for my baby."
Both Ross and Taylor said the hospital staff did not allow them to hold their child after delivery. They said not being able to carry their child, one that bears Taylor's name, still causes them pain.
"It hurts, it hurts. Because I wanted to hold him, and they kept telling me no," Ross said as she started crying.
Shaking his head in disbelief, Taylor said he didn't get to touch the infant. He said the delivery process and outcome was "shocking" and still gives him "chills."
"Because they lied to us," Taylor said, saying he's experienced a mix of emotions. "They played in our face. They tried to cover it up. They didn’t tell us the details of what happened."
Both the couple and their lawyers said they want answers and need people to speak up.
"Just come forward, please. The nurses that was in the room. Please just come forward please. I just want justice for my baby," Ross said tearfully.
She thinks about her baby every day and said she doesn't think she will ever heal from this.
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I know he's watching over us," Taylor added.
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