COLOMA TOWNSHIP — The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is investigating what is believed to be the suspicious death of a 2-month-old infant.

Police started an investigation earlier on Monday after officers were dispatched to a medical call at 5100 Little Paw Paw Lake Road in Coloma Township. Upon arrival, officers found the incident to be suspicious in nature and detectives were called to assist with the investigation.

The child was transported to Watervliet Hospital by Pride Care Ambulance and later transferred to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. The child passed away at approximately 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.  An autopsy was scheduled to be performed Wednesday at Western Michigan University School of Medicine. According to police, a preliminary report from the autopsy was inconclusive as to the cause of death and additional medical testing will need to be completed.

Police arrested Scott Nathaniel Skinner Monday for child abuse and neglect, based on initial reports from the treating physician of the child. Skinner has since been released from jail, because police said the charge was not authorized, due to the need for more testing on the cause of death. Police emphasized that the charge is merely an accusation and that the defendant is innocent until or unless proven guilty.

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is continuing to investigate this incident.