A man questioned by homicide detectives about the death of a baby boy in Wagga Wagga has been released without charge.
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Police were conducting a welfare check in Henwood Avenue early Monday morning when they discovered an injured two-month-old child.
Paramedics treated the infant for cardiac arrest at the scene, shortly before 5am.
He was rushed to Wagga Rural Referral Hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.
Fairfax Media understands the 32-year-old man taken into custody was related to the deceased boy.
He was released shortly after 2pm on Monday, pending further enquiries.
Neighbours have since told of their shock and heartbreak.
Simone Gowland said she and her daughters were awoken by hysterical crying and police sirens in the early hours of the morning.
Ms Gowland said she suspected the worst when she saw a man "screaming and sobbing uncontrollably".
"He just kept saying 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry'," she said.
"He didn't put up any fight - he just sobbed as police loaded him into the wagon.
"Even as they drove off, he just kept screaming 'I'm so, so sorry'."
The Henwood Avenue resident said the people living in the house were a "quiet, but very friendly" couple.
"The dad was always very good with his kids and he'd always be outside playing with his twin, school-aged girls," Ms Gowland said.
"Their little dog used to come over all the time and they were so friendly."
Details surrounding the incident are still emerging, however it is understood the little boy sustained head injuries.
Strike Force Banco has been established by the Wagga Local Area Command to investigate the death.
Superintendent commander Bob Noble said police are yet to determine if the death was accidental or foul play.
"There are circumstances of suspicion but we will keep an open mind and enquiries will continue," he said.
"We have a lot of people to speak to but that doesn't mean anybody is a suspect.
"I saw the (32-year-old) man downstairs and he's not in the best place, as you can imagine."
Superintendent Noble chose not to reveal the 32-year-old's relationship with the deceased baby boy.
"The family are very distressed and the case is very sensitive so we are hesitant to reveal further details at this time," he said.
The baby's mother also assisted homicide investigators.
Police said the infant, his mother and the 32-year-old man were the only occupants of the home at the time.
Quinton Clarke, who lives further down the street, said he was driving home from a late-hour shift at work when he drove past the property.
"Nobody could see something like this coming," he said.
"I'd seen those who lived there a few times and they seemed like everyday people."
