The state's Medical Examiner's office has ruled the death of Ridgefield toddler Benjamin Seitz a homicide. Seitz died after being left in a hot car by his father in July.
The autopsy report for the 15-month-old said he died from "hyperthermia due to environmental exposure," or a body temperature above normal.
Danbury State's Attorney Stephen Sedensky III is working with the Ridgefield Police Department to investigate the toddler's death.
Sedensky released a statement Thursday afternoon which said, "The autopsy report is one factor to be considered by the State's attorney in the evaluation of the incident once the investigation is complete."
Sedensky said his office will have no further comment while the investigation is pending.
FOX CT spoke with the family's lawyer, Bob Gulash, who said, "The medical examiner could explain to you better how the finding of homicide doesn't necessarily mean that a crime occurred."
Neither Gulash or Lindsey Rogers-Seitz, Benjamin's mother, would comment further, saying the investigation is still active.
Benjamin died on July 7. According to police and family reports, he was left in the back of a car by his father, Kyle Seitz, while Kyle went to work. Kyle told police he forgot Ben in the car, and even drove to pick him up from his daycare, mistakenly thinking he had dropped his son there that morning.
Lindsey Rogers-Seitz has given several media interviews advocating for social and legislative improvements to hot car safety. She started her own blog called "The Gift of Ben."
FOX CT interviewed Rogers-Seitz last month. She described her horrifying ordeal and discussions with Kyle about the day of Ben's death.
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