Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, and Orange Police Director Todd Warren announced today that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force and the Orange Police Department are investigating the death of four-year-old Laniyah Bloodworth of Orange.
Officials said on Thursday Dec. 30, 2021, first responders were called to a home on the 200 block of Wallace Street in Orange on a report of an unresponsive child.
The little girl was transported to University Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 4:25 p.m. on Dec. 30, 2021.
At this time, Mr. Jamil Welch, 21, of Orange who is the mother’s boyfriend, has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
The child had unexplained bruising on her body.
The cause and manner of death is pending autopsy.
The investigation is active and ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at 1-877 TIPS- 4EC or 1-877-847-7432. Calls will be kept confidential.