Mother woke up to find her baby son unresponsive after she used a hair dryer to warm his feet but fell asleep as she was high on drugs; charged
Georgia – In a heart-wrenching case in Georgia, a 32-year-old mother, identified as M. Creel, has been indicted for murder following the death of her baby boy under circumstances that investigators believe involve negligence and substance abuse.
Creel is facing severe legal consequences after a series of events that led to the death of her baby boy. According to authorities, the incident occurred on November 9, 2023, when Creel allegedly used a hair dryer to warm her son’s feet but fell asleep with the device still running. She woke to find her son severely burned and unresponsive, prompting a frantic 911 call. Initially, Creel told the responding officers that she had accidentally fallen asleep while the hair dryer was on. However, her account quickly came under scrutiny. First responders, upon their arrival at the scene, attempted CPR on the infant, but unfortunately, the child could not be revived.
The investigation into the incident revealed several concerns for law enforcement. On the day of the incident, the weather in the city where Creel resides was recorded at a mild 68 degrees Fahrenheit, casting doubt on the necessity of using a hair dryer for warmth. Furthermore, during a search of Creel’s residence, deputies noted suspicious behavior and the presence of drug paraphernalia on the property. Authorities suggested that Creel was not merely asleep but had passed out due to being under the influence of a controlled substance. This led to her initial arrest on charges of second-degree cruelty to children. Subsequent events compounded her legal troubles when she was arrested for DUI while out on bond, with law enforcement noting her erratic driving and discontinuing a field sobriety test for her safety.
Earlier this month, a grand jury made the decision to indict Creel on charges of second-degree murder and cruelty to children. The indictment explicitly stated that Creel “…did cause cruel and excessive physical and mental pain by leaving a blow-dryer on, and blowing heated air near said child while said accused was passed out and under the influence of a controlled substance,” highlighting the grave nature of her neglect. Creel was re-arrested and booked into the county jail on January 24. The community and local authorities have expressed deep distress over the incident, with a broader discussion emerging around issues of substance abuse, parental responsibility, and child safety.
This tragic case underscores the critical importance of vigilance and intervention in situations where the welfare of children is at risk due to the caretakers’ substance use. As the legal proceedings continue, the community seeks justice for the young victim and a reassessment of measures to protect vulnerable children from similar fates. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, with authorities hoping for a resolution that can bring some measure of peace to the community and prevent future tragedies of this nature.
