~UPDATED~Authorities Investigating Two Unrelated Child Deaths In Howell County:

Authorities in West Plains are investigating the death of a toddler who died from injuries after she was allegedly scalded on September 29th.

Officer Angelina Denton says DFS contacted authorities in West Plains after 2 year-old Shady Hicks was taken to Ozark Medical Center by a private vehicle.  The little girl was then airlifted to the burn unit at St. John's in Springfield where she died yesterday (10-04-10.)

Detective Shawn Rhoads says an autopsy was performed on the toddler today, "The medical examiner in Boone County, Arkansas was unable to provide a definitive cause of death.  We will have to wait on toxicology tests to come back in about a month.  We have to conduct a pretty thorough investigation. I am merely the fact finder, when I determine what the facts are I will present them to the prosecutors office."

Rhoads says the girlfriend of Shady's dad (who is eight months pregnant,) Terry "T. J." Hicks, was the only adult in the home at the time of the incident.  

Meanwhile, authorities in Howell County are waiting on toxicology reports to come back on 6 year-old Zeke Breeds who died "under suspicious circumstances," last week according to Howell County Lt. Al Jones.

Jones says, "We're not sure at this point what were dealing with.  Was it accidental, or was it murder? I don't want to accuse someone of something until all the facts are in."