The death of the woman holding a baby who fell from Petco Park concourse last September has been ruled a suicide, authorities said Wednesday.
The dead were 40-year-old Raquel Wilkins and her 2-year-old son, Denzel Browning-Wilkins, both residents of San Diego. They died on the sidewalk where they landed in the 200 block of Tony Gwynn Way, on the west side of the downtown ballpark
“Detectives conducted a thorough and comprehensive investigation that included dozens of interviews, reviewing of available video footage, and collecting background information to determine what led to the deaths,” said police Lt. Andra Brown.
“In consultation with the San Diego County Medical Examiner, Raquel Wilkins’ death has been classified a suicide and Denzel Browning-Wilkins’ death has been classified a homicide.”
Police offiials said they wouldn’t make any further comment on the case.
The pair were at a dining/concession area on the third-floor concourse level before the fall at 3:51 p.m. Sept. 25.
“SDPD understands the public’s concern and interest in this tragedy that happened publicly in a venue where the community gathers,” police said. “We would like to thank all those who came forward with information. The District Attorney’s Office Victim Assistance Program is available to provide crisis intervention, support, and resources to those impacted by this tragic event. They can be reached at (619) 531-4041.”
Officials declined to disclose what might have motivated the San Diego woman to leap off the side of the structure while holding her son.
Witnesses told news crews Wilkins climbed on a picnic bench on the concourse and fell to the ground, then climbed back on the seat a short time later with her child and went over a protective railing at the edge of the ballpark.
On Twitter, a lawyer for Wilkins’ mother, father and sisters said: “Four months ago, the city’s mayor went to the press to blame Raquel Wilkins. Today, the city’s police echoed the mayor. But defendants do this. They blame the victim especially when she can’t defend herself.”
Later, attorney Dan Gilleon told Times of San Diego that before he files a wrongful-death suit against the City of San Diego, he needs to do a tort claim. He didn’t say when this would come.
“The city is acting like any other defendant in a lawsuit: Blame the victim, especially if they’re not able to defend themselves. … SDPD was too conflicted to conduct this investigation,” Gilleon said.
Updated at 6:43 p.m. Jan. 19, 2022
City News Service contributed to this report.