NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – The investigation into a 1-year-old’s death continues with Department of Children’s Services and Youth Services detectives now involved.
Little 1-year-old Katera Barker died after she was accidentally left in a car seat in the back seat of a hot pick-up truck.
Youth Services detectives said that so far, they determined that the child’s father, Matt Barker, did not stop at her daycare Wednesday morning.
Detectives said Barker or his wife would typically take Katera and her 5-year-old sister to a daycare on Chapel Avenue. From there, the 5-year-old would ride a shuttle to her elementary school.
Police said that on Wednesday morning, Barker was running late and left home shortly before 7:30 a.m. and went directly to the elementary school.
After dropping off the 5-year-old, he went home and didn’t stop at the daycare. He parked the pick-up truck in the drive way and a short time later, left to go to the airport via a ride sharing service. He then flew out of town on a business trip.
Katera was found by her mom in the car seat as she arrived home at approximately 5:45 p.m.
DCS told News 2 it is standard that they investigate any case that involves a child’s death.
The investigation, according to DCS, involves a lot of interviews and is usually coordinated with law enforcement.
DCS officials said state statute sets up the Child Protective Investigative teams, which are arrayed throughout the entire state.
The 5-year-old girl remains in the Barkers’ custody at this time.