Perry police taking investigation of baby’s death slowly

Perry’s Chief of police says it will be at least another week before local prosecutors decide whether to file charges in the death of an infant there this past Tuesday.Prosecutors say state law gives county attorneys the power to decide whether to file charges, depending on many factors like intent, circumstances, evidence, and medical examiners’ reports. Chief Brickner says there’s little question the death of baby Clare Engholm was a tragic accident. He says in a typical case they would file charges when they collected enough evidence. He says in this case, they’re collecting the information and then sending it to the county attorney for a decision on charges.Brickner says the facts of the case have been sorted out, but officers continue to log witness statements and tie up loose ends. The Dallas County prosecutor is on vacation but has been told about the case. Prosecutors could decide to consult with a grand jury before filing any charges. He says it’s not a situation where they need to immediately file a charge.In an emotional press conference this past week, Dennis Engholm told reporters his wife Kari was working a busy day as administrator of the local hospital and their routine had changed the day she left baby Clare in a carseat in a van. The child died of the heat exposure before she was discovered.