Police will now focus their investigation on family members.
Montgomery County Coroner Davis ruled that the deaths of DaJainae Phillips, 1, Alexis Marshall, 2, and Danatta Moreland, 3, were homicides.
"We ruled out natural deaths, accidental deaths and suicides," Davis said.
The determination comes after investigators had ruled out foul play following the deaths of DaJainae on Nov. 10 and Alexis on Nov. 13 at 633 Homewood Ave.
Davis acknowledged the discrepancy. He said that, after the third child died Dec. 24 at the Homewood address, investigators went back and reviewed all three deaths.
He said the intense investigation included an environmental study by the health department, a second opinion by a "renowned" unnamed neuropathologist and a review of the children's medical histories.
"Sometimes we have to re-evaluate," Davis said. "We wandered back through the evidence and asked for other opinions and help."
He said investigators ruled out deaths from environmental factors in the home or toxic substances in the children's' bodies.
The children died at the home of Phillip and Regina Moreland, the grandparents of DaJainae and Danatta, and the great-aunt and great-uncle of Alexis.
The Morelands' attorney, Jon Paul Rion, insisted the couple is not under suspicion.
"No one is pointing a finger at them," Rion said. "Today we believe they've been cleared."
Dayton police, who officially opened their homicide investigation Wednesday with the long-awaited coroner's ruling, would not confirm Rion's assumption.
"We haven't interviewed them yet so they haven't been cleared," said Sgt. Gary White.
Police said they have identified no suspects.
"The investigation will focus on the family members," said Dayton Police Lt. John Huber. "We're looking at everybody, including children."
DaJainae, who lived at the Homewood address, died Nov. 10 at Children's Medical Center. Her cousin Alexis, of 1333 Wisconsin Blvd., died Nov. 13 at Grandview Hospital and Medical Center.
Danatta Moreland, 3, died Dec. 24 after spending the night at the house on Homewood. Danatta lived at 5036 Northcrest Drive with her parents.
The Morelands have lashed out at officials for removing four other children from their home and for harassing those children during questioning.
On Wednesday, Phillip Moreland questioned why it took so long for the coroner's office to rule.
He said the family is now determined to get the four children - aged 6, 7, 10 and 11 - returned to their home.
"They're going to be home," Moreland said. "They're going to be well taken care of."
The children were removed from the Morelands' home on Christmas Eve and placed in foster care by Montgomery County Children Services.
On Jan. 20, Juvenile Court Judge Michael Murphy gave temporary custody to their maternal grandmother, Cecile O. Marshall.
A custody hearing about returning the children to the Morelands is scheduled for March 4, according to Rion.
MARVIN FONG/DAYTON DAILY NEWS