DCFS investigating death of Southwest Side infant

Child welfare officials are investigating the Sunday death of an 8-month-old girl in the Southwest Side Chicago Lawn neighborhood.

Michelle Mendoza was discovered unresponsive and not breathing in her home in the 6700 block of South Artesian about 6:20 p.m., according to police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

She was taken to Holy Cross Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 7:05 p.m., authorities said.

DCFS is investigating allegations of neglect against the girl’s mother, spokeswoman Veronica Resa said.

The agency has had prior contact with the family, but not involving Michelle, Resa said. There are not thought to be any other children in the home.

An autopsy Monday was inconclusive pending further studies, the medical examiner’s office said.

Area Central detectives are conducting a routine death investigation and no one is in custody, police said.