# Perth Man Charged with Murder of Eight-Week-Old Baby in Innaloo
**SEO Title:** Perth Man Eric Ronald Riley Charged with Murder of Eight-Week-Old Baby in Innaloo
**Meta Description:** A 23-year-old Perth man has been charged with the murder of an eight-week-old baby after an incident in the northern suburb of Innaloo in early May 2026. Police say the infant died in hospital.
**Tags:** Perth crime, baby murder, Innaloo, Eric Ronald Riley, WA Police, homicide, child abuse
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A 23-year-old man has been charged with the murder of an eight-week-old baby following an incident at a home in the Perth suburb of Innaloo.
Eric Ronald Riley appeared before a Perth magistrate on Monday, 25 May 2026, facing a single count of murder. He did not enter a plea during the brief court appearance.
## Police Investigation
Western Australia Police said Homicide Squad and Child Abuse Detectives had been investigating the matter since early May. The incident is understood to have occurred on or around 2 May 2026 inside a residence in the northern Perth suburb.
According to police, the baby suffered serious injuries during the incident and was taken to hospital, where the child later died. Detectives from the Homicide Squad took over the investigation, working alongside the Child Abuse Unit.
The investigation had been running for approximately three weeks before charges were laid against Riley on or around 25 May.
## Court Appearance
Riley, from Innaloo, appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court on Monday morning. He was formally charged with murder over the death of the infant.
The court was told limited details about the case. Prosecutors did not outline the specific allegations against Riley during the initial hearing. The matter was adjourned for a future mention date.
Riley was remanded in custody following the hearing.
## Ongoing Investigation
WA Police have not released further details about the nature of the injuries or how the incident unfolded. A police spokesperson confirmed that detectives continue to examine the circumstances leading to the baby’s death, and further inquiries are ongoing.
This case has prompted renewed attention on child protection and domestic violence support services in Western Australia.
## Broader Context
The death of such a young child has shocked the local community and drawn widespread media coverage across Australia. Cases involving the deaths of infants are rare but receive significant public and media scrutiny when charges are laid.
Police investigations of this nature typically involve extensive forensic examination, witness statements, and analysis of medical evidence. The Child Abuse Squad works closely with the Homicide Squad on matters involving the deaths of children under suspicious circumstances.
## Next Steps
Riley is scheduled to appear again in court at a later date. It is expected that more details about the prosecution case will emerge during a committal hearing or subsequent proceedings.
WA Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
As of 3 June 2026, the investigation remains active. Police have not confirmed whether any other persons are assisting with inquiries.
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*This article is based on official police statements and court reports. No plea has been entered. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.*
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