The Gardendale Police  Department is investigating the death of a 16-month-old child.

Justin Keith Stockton died April 22 at his house in Gardendale, according to Gardendale Police Chief Mike Walker.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s office has determined the child died of severe malnutrition and has ruled the death a homicide, according to published reports. Coroners office officials were unavailable for comment at press time.

Walker said the incident is still under investigation and could not say whether charges are pending in the case.

“We won’t rule out any charges,” he said. “All law enforcement agencies investigating this are taking it very, very seriously.”

Walker said his department is waiting to hear from the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office. “They are considering the facts of the case at this time,” he said

Walker said drugs and alcohol are not thought to be factors in the case.

Other children, including adult children, were living in the house at the time of the death, Walker said.

He said he has “no first-hand facts” about whether the family has ever been investigated for similar incidents. He said the family has lived in Gardendale for several years.