Lakewood Mother Freed as Charges Dropped in Infant Death Case
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office announced that a Lakewood mother indicted for the May death of her three-month-old daughter has been released and all charges will be dropped. The announcement is a major development in a delicate and serious case that garnered community attention.
Caitlin Gibson, 28, was arrested and will undergo pre-trial monitoring. The authorities decided not to prosecute her for her child’s death after a thorough study of the case and facts. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the developments and stressed the continued efforts to ensure justice in such cases.
The infant’s father, Ruben Santiago, 36, has pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter. Santiago will be sentenced by Ocean County Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan on March 4. Due to the allegations and circumstances, he might serve 25 years in state jail.
This case shows how the legal system carefully considers each person’s role in criminal proceedings. Gibson is free and will not be prosecuted, but Santiago will be. Such cases demonstrate the significance of thorough investigation, clear evidence evaluation, and considered legal decision-making in important criminal situations.
The decision to free Gibson and drop the charges also relieves her and her family, who have been under tremendous public scrutiny since the event. Legal experts say pre-trial monitoring is frequent when charges are dropped but authorities continue to monitor persons for community safety and legal compliance.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office reports on this matter transparently while protecting judicial proceedings. The development encourages local authorities to fairly and responsibly pursue justice, combining accountability with rigorous assessment of each person’s serious crime involvement.
Sources:
- Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office (official statements and press releases)
- Ocean County Superior Court records
