Key Points Summary – Newborn died from SIDS

• One-month-old Kiyanna Winfield died from suspected SIDS, not mauling
• Family pit bull bit baby postmortem, was euthanized shortly after
• Parents say child had medical issues, including a heart murmur
• Authorities found “substantial” facial injuries but ruled out foul play
• Medical Examiner confirmed baby was already dead during the attack

Family Claims Baby Died From SIDS, Not Pit Bull Mauling

A Queens couple says their one-month-old daughter, Kiyanna Winfield, died of sudden infant death syndrome — not from a fatal dog attack. They claim their family pit bull, Bella, only bit the baby after she had already passed away.

“Our baby was alive when we went to sleep,” said Kiyanna’s stepfather, identified only as Christopher. “She died of SIDS. She also had a heart murmur.”

The baby’s mother, Lillian Burton, added: “I did not kill my child. She died of SIDS… and then the dog ate her.”

Medical Examiner Disputes Initial Reports Of Mauling

Authorities initially believed the six-week-old pit bull killed Kiyanna. However, the city’s medical examiner revealed the child was already deceased when the dog began biting her face. The pup was later put down.

“We think the puppy was trying to help,” Christopher said. “It only bit her mouth and nose. Maybe she was gasping for air, and the dog didn’t understand.”

The medical examiner has not yet officially released a cause of death. Still, the family believes the findings clear them of wrongdoing.

Parents Say They’re Locked Out And Devastated

The family discovered the gruesome scene just after 6 a.m. Tuesday. A “substantial portion” of the baby’s face had been mauled, according to law enforcement sources.

Despite the tragedy, police currently suspect no foul play. “We fed our kids. We changed our kids. I take good care of them,” Burton said.

The parents also claimed they’ve since been locked out of their apartment in the Queensbridge Houses, left to mourn outside their home while awaiting further investigation.