While forensic experts yesterday tried to determine whether a body found in Belvedere, St Andrew was that of 11-year-old Ananda Dean, who went missing September 17, news broke of another savage attack in which a nine-month-old boy was molested and killed Monday night.

This brings to at least 57 the number of children to have been killed since the start of the year.Superintendent Delroy Hewitt, head of the Kingston Western Police Division, confirmed that the baby, who resided in Arnett Gardens, St Andrew, was pronounced dead at the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

A 21-year-old man was taken into custody.

The Gleaner understands that the mother of the child is incarcerated. The baby was born in prison and sent out to stay with family members.

Major Richard Reese, commissioner of corrections, told The Gleaner that when a baby is born in jail, it stays there until proper arrangements are made.

He explained that a probation officer is sent out to examine the facility where the child is to stay and ensure that the guardian who is elected by the mother is fit and proper.

Psychologist

Reese said his department yesterday dispatched a psycho-logist to Fort Augusta Adult Correctional Centre to counsel the mother of the child.

He also noted that arrangements were being made for the father of the child to visit the mother, who is serving a five-year sentence.

The death of the baby came a day after the body, believed to be that of Dean, was found.

Ananda was reported missing by her aunt on September 17 after she failed to return home from school.

A shoe, which was found at the scene, has been identified by relatives as Ananda's. Police yesterday re-examined the body, but confirmation was yet to be made.

Meanwhile Olivia Grange, minister with responsibility for women's affairs and gender issues, said she was appalled with the increasing level of violence being committed against the nation's women and children.

"Sexual violence is now rampant in every setting and, as a government and civil society, we must actively work together to root it out," Grange said in a release yesterday.