Autopsy can't determine cause of infant's death

Autumn Rose Naimi died on Oct. 11 while she and her mother, Nicole Lynnette Richards, were visiting a home in Apex, police said.

Richards found the baby unresponsive in her crib and called paramedics, who were unable to revive the child, witnesses told police.

A few days later, Apex police charged Richards, 23, with involuntary manslaughter in her daughter's death.

The only signs of trauma found during the autopsy were several rib fractures, which the medical examiner said were likely from efforts to resuscitate the child.

The medical examiner noted that the child was born prematurely and had suffered thyroid problems, which might have contributed to her death. He said Sudden Infant Death Syndrome also was a possible cause of death.

Apex Police Capt. Ann Stephens said prosecutors will have to determine whether to drop the charge against Richards in light of the autopsy results.