Man arrested in baby’s death on Lummi Reservation

BELLINGHAM — A 22-year-old man has been arrested for investigation of homicide after an autopsy on his infant daughter showed skull fractures and brain swelling.

The Bellingham Herald reports that Whatcom County Medical Examiner Gary Goldfogel says the injuries to 6-month-old Casey Jo Tom were caused by “inflicted head trauma.” The child died Sunday on the Lummi Reservation in northwest Washington.

Lawrence Virgil Tom was arrested Tuesday.

Since the death occurred on the reservation, the FBI and Lummi Nation police are investigating.

Goldfogel says a second child living in the Toms’ home is in custody of Child Protective Services.

U.S. attorney’s spokeswoman Emily Langlie says Lawrence Tom will make an initial appearance in federal court in Seattle in the next day or two.

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