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Police: Mother, baby found dead at apartment outside Pittsburgh; Baby likely starved

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MILLVALE, Pa. -- Police are investigating the death of a woman and her 10-month-old baby boy found inside a Millvale apartment Friday morning.

Channel 11's Renee Kaminski learned that 22-year-old Sara Kessler and her child, Casey Kessler, were found by a relative, who had not heard from his sister in a week, at the Krismor apartment complex on Butler Street.

Allegheny County Police Assistant Superintendent Jim Morton said the mother died first, and that the baby likely starved to death.

“It seems like he tried to survive for a while, but there was no food to have so,” said Morton.

Sara Kessler was found lying on a bed, according to police. Her baby was found in the apartment’s living room.

Police said both bodies may have been in the apartment for more than a week.

Police said foul play is not suspected in the mother and child’s deaths. Autopsies will be performed.

Three healthy-looking house cats were also found in the second floor apartment.

Police said the animals may have survived because of an automatic feeder.

The medical examiner said Monday that it will likely be three weeks before an official cause of death for the mother and child will be known.

In the meantime, a memorial continues to grow outside of the Krismor apartment complex.

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Residents told Channel 11 Monday that they are still in shock after learning about the deaths.

“It’s very sad that there's someone alone in the world who would be missed for a week or two and that her baby had to die that way. It’s a very tragic thing,” said Janine Vecinie.