5-month-old baby's death in Queens ruled a homicide

ELMHURST, Queens (WABC) -- The death of a five-month-old in Queens is being investigated as a homicide.

The child, Alaia Baque, died Saturday. Her parents were questioned and released over the weekend.

According to the Medical Examiner's office, the cause of death was abusive head trauma, and the manner of death was homicide.

On Tuesday, detectives plan to re-interview the mother as well as some other family members. No charges have been filed yet.

Baque sustained a bruise on the back of her head, as well as at least eight skull fractures.

Detectives are investigating the family's claims of a ritual involving Baque at the family's home. The child was possibly being treated for an "evil eye." However, the "evil eye" may have been caused by previous abuse, possibly shaking.

The mother called 911 Saturday morning, reporting that the child was not breathing. She observed the baby face down, cold to her touch and blue to the face.

The family has no prior arrests and no domestic incident reports.