Report: Mother Of Fitchburg Baby Denies Abuse, Neglect

The mother of a 2-week old baby who died while the family was receiving services from state child welfare officials says abuse or neglect did not play a role in the child's death.

Bailey Irish was pronounced dead at a hospital last Saturday hours after she was brought in unresponsive by her parents.

Her mother, Charis Irish, of Fitchburg, said in an email to The Boston Globe that she and her husband "would never neglect or abuse our children in any way."

Her death, and the death of a Grafton infant whose mother was under agency supervision, helped prompt the resignation of the commissioner of the state Department of Children and Families.

The Grafton girl's mother has previously denied abuse or neglect.

The deaths of both babies remain under investigation.