A Hamilton baby boy found face-down in his cot with a bloodied and bruised face did not die accidentally and his mother's boyfriend was involved, a Victorian coroner has found.
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The death of Israel Bodean Brenssell-Rimene in Hamilton on July 13, 2015, was subject to a four-day inquest at the Victorian Coroner's Court last month.
The 11-month-old died unnaturally and Quinton Thompson was likely involved, Coroner Philip Byrne said on Thursday.
"When one looks at the 'picture' the mosaic provides, there are inferences open to be drawn, which in combination led me to the conclusion that Mr Thompson was in some manner involved in baby Israel's death," Mr Byrne said.
The baby's mother, Tanita Brenssell, told the inquest she blamed her former partner for her son's death.
Mr Thompson had taken on increasing responsibility for Israel's care in the months before he died and was the last person to see him alive.
The night before Israel's death, he had showered with Israel and told Ms Brenssell the baby "had a tumble in the shower" and was "a bit whingey".
Mr Thompson was the only person present when the baby died.
The coroner said despite "exhaustive and ancillary tests" he could not determine a cause of death.
No family members were in court for Thursday's finding.
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