Medical examiner: Baby had lethal levels of over-the-counter cold medicine

A 1-year-old boy who died in Bridgeport last year had toxic levels of an over-the-counter cold medicine in his system, according to the state medical examiner.

According to police, the baby was in the care of foster parents when he died.

Lauren Citron, the child's biological mother, spoke through an attorney and wants to know, "how the foster system failed her son" and the changes that need to be made so others children don't die as well.

The medical examiner tells News 12 Connecticut that Michael Citron had lethal levels of chalorpheniramine in his system, an over-the-counter antihistamine that comes in products like Chlor-Trimetron and Chlor-Tabs.

Citron was inconsolable when News 12 interviewed her last December. Her family says she suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a driver in 2006, and was therefore unable to care for her child.

"We demand to know how Michael died," Citron's attorney said in a statement. "And if any policies and procedures need to be changed to keep another family from suffering through an ordeal like this one."

According to police, the child's foster family in the North End of Bridgeport called 911, saying he was unresponsive. Michael was rushed to St. Vincent's Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

The emergency was carried live on the A&E program LIVE PD, and generated a lot of comment due to the reaction of police who tried to help save the baby.

Bridgeport Police Chief AJ Perez says his detectives are still investigating the child's death, and no charges have been filed.

"It's a very active investigation and I really can't comment other than we're trying to be as thorough as possible," says Perez. "My heart and prayers to both families and may Michael Cintron rest in the peace of God."

Police say they're seeking clarification from the medical examiner on certain key points.A 1-year-old boy who died in Bridgeport last year had toxic levels of an over-the-counter cold medicine in his system, according to the state medical examiner.

According to police, the baby was in the care of foster parents when he died.

Lauren Citron, the child's biological mother, spoke through an attorney and wants to know, "how the foster system failed her son" and the changes that need to be made so others children don't die as well.

The medical examiner tells News 12 Connecticut that Michael Citron had lethal levels of chalorpheniramine in his system, an over-the-counter antihistamine that comes in products like Chlor-Trimetron and Chlor-Tabs.

Citron was inconsolable when News 12 interviewed her last December. Her family says she suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a driver in 2006, and was therefore unable to care for her child.

"We demand to know how Michael died," Citron's attorney said in a statement. "And if any policies and procedures need to be changed to keep another family from suffering through an ordeal like this one."

According to police, the child's foster family in the North End of Bridgeport called 911, saying he was unresponsive. Michael was rushed to St. Vincent's Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

The emergency was carried live on the A&E program LIVE PD, and generated a lot of comment due to the reaction of police who tried to help save the baby.

Bridgeport Police Chief AJ Perez says his detectives are still investigating the child's death, and no charges have been filed.

"It's a very active investigation and I really can't comment other than we're trying to be as thorough as possible," says Perez. "My heart and prayers to both families and may Michael Cintron rest in the peace of God."

Police say they're seeking clarification from the medical examiner on certain key points.