Murder investigation launched after toddler Tavia Michella found dead in Tyrone

The child was found dead at a property in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone at the weekend

The PSNI has launched a murder investigation following the death of 23 month-old Tavia Michella in Co. Tyrone.

The PSNI has named the child as Tavia Michella Ximenes Da Costa.

The child was found dead at a property in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone at the weekend.

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Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly said: “Police, along with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, responded to the report of the sudden death of a child in the Windmill Court area of the town on Sunday morning, October 13.

“Sadly, Tavia, who was just weeks away from her second birthday, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Following the results of a postmortem examination, I can now confirm that I am treating her death as a murder.”

He continued: “My thoughts, and sincere sympathy, are with little Tavia’s family members and loved ones whose worlds have been turned upside down.

“Three people, two women and one man, were arrested in connection with the toddler’s murder.

“A 21-year-old woman, a 24-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man were each arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody at this time.”

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