Police investigate death of 3-year-old Rensselaer girl

RENSSELAER – There are flowers outside the home at 1552 Broadway in Rensselaer, and a little angel statue sits outside on the windowsill.

Police were called there Friday morning for a 3-year-old girl who was unresponsive, they said.

Despite emergency efforts, she was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

While they were at the Rensselaer home, police say Robert Fisher tried to get in to the crime scene and obstruct police.

“Mr. Fisher tried to get into the residence,” said Rensselaer Police Detective Sergeant Michael Deso. “We told him he’s not allowed in the residence until the investigation is complete. He tried to force his way into the residence, and then he was told he was under arrest and then resisted arrest.”

Fisher was known to someone at the home and was staying there, authorities said.

However, the case took an even more troubling turn, as investigators uncovered more information. They believe Fisher sexually abused and assaulted the little girl.

He’s now charged with aggravated sexual abuse, assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Investigators like Deso are working tirelessly on this disturbing case.

“We have several detectives from the Rensselaer Police Department, investigators from the New York State Police, members of the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s office that are working around the clock,” he said.

Fisher was sent to the Rensselaer County Jail with no bail.

The girl’s parents are distraught, and that her death has affected everyone, Deso said.

“Very difficult. Members of our department as well as the fire department have small children at home, so it’s quite difficult on everyone.”

Police are still investigating the death of the child – how and why she died. They say the girl’s parents are cooperating with the investigation.