Cops: Probe into Venezuelan baby's death nearly complete

Police public information officer ASP Sheridon Hill could not provide a definite timeline for the completion of an investigation into the death of one-year-old Yaelvis Santoyo, but says police have almost finished their work.

On February 5, Yaelvis and his mother Darielvis Sarabia were travelling on a boat approaching Trinidad's south coast when the Coast Guard intercepted the boat.

In a media release, the Coast Guard claimed the boat's captain tried to ram a Coast Guard vessel and they shot at the boat's engine in response.

Yaelvis was hit once in the head and died aboard the boat. His mother was wounded.

Police and immigration officers have interviewed Yaelvis' parents.

Speaking with Newsday on Wednesday, Hill confirmed the investigation was almost finished.

"I'm in frequent contact with the investigator and the investigator's supervisor in the Southern Division.

"That matter is being investigated by an acting superintendent of police in the Southern Division and after that it will be going to the Director of Public Prosecutiona' (DPP) office for consideration."