Ramona Flowers Matsuo

Ramona Matsuo, an almost 2-month-old black baby girl, died from starvation Saturday, Sept. 17, in the 11600 block of Imperial Highway in Norwalk, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

[Editor's note: This death was first reported by the coroner in September, but a determination that the cause was homicide was not made until later. The Times added it to the Homicide Report after that confirmation.]

Paramedics were called, and Ramona was taken to a hospital in Downey, where she was pronounced dead at 2:37 a.m.

According to coroner’s records, Ramona died from starvation and malnutrition. The baby was full term, but weighed 6 pounds at death and had never been to a pediatrician, coroner’s officials said.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department detectives are investigating the homicide and did not release any additional information.

“The investigation is still ongoing,” said Sgt. B. Cotter, who is handling the case.
Anyone with additional details about Ramona’s death is asked to contact the sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

--Rosanna Xia