The cause of death for a three-month-old girl, Lacey May Oxford, who was found unresponsive at a campsite, remains unascertained, an inquest has heard. Lacey died after going into cardiac arrest inside a tent near Great Wyrley, Staffordshire, on September 5. Her death prompted a murder investigation, leading to the arrest and subsequent conditional bail of four individuals.
An inquest opened into Lacey's death on Wednesday heard that the precise medical cause of death is yet to be determined. West Midlands Ambulance Service contacted Staffordshire Police on the morning of September 5, reporting a child in cardiac arrest. Paramedics pronounced Lacey deceased at the scene at 9:06 a.m.
Coroner Lindsay Tonks stated that Lacey was found in a tent at a makeshift encampment in fields off Strawberry Lane, near a fishing pond. Identification was confirmed by her parents, who were present. A pediatric forensic post-mortem examination has been conducted, but its findings have not yet established a definitive cause of death.
The four individuals on conditional bail include a 42-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman from South Staffordshire, a 20-year-old woman from Wolverhampton, and an 18-year-old man from Walsall. Staffordshire Police confirmed that their inquiries are ongoing and that all arrested individuals remain on conditional bail.
Detective Inspector Josh Lee previously stated that officers are working diligently to investigate the circumstances, maintaining an open mind. The force has urged the public to avoid speculation and to rely on official updates for accurate information.
Lacey's family released a statement expressing their appreciation for community support and requesting privacy during this traumatic time, emphasizing that they themselves are awaiting details of the circumstances surrounding the infant's death. The family indicated that they had been at the campsite for a fishing trip with the baby's grandfather when the incident occurred.