Deadly combination of “drug abuse, poor parenting and neglect to the highest level” led to 4-month-old death, but police discovered even more when they arrived at the baby’s home
According to reports by the sheriff’s office, a couple has been accused of causing the death of their 4-month-old daughter due to severe neglect. The 24-year-old mother and her 31-year-old partner were arrested on Aug. 1 and face charges of second-degree murder, neglect, and child abuse.
Authorities said the 24-year-old Angel T. and the 31-year-old Chevy L. reportedly starved the 4-month-old girl to death and also severely neglected her 13-month-old brother.
Upon receiving a call from Angel about her unresponsive daughter, deputies discovered the infant deceased in the family’s residence. Preliminary assessments raised questions regarding Angel’s account of events who previously informed them she had her daughter down to sleep for the last hour
Sheriff Mike T., stated during a press conference, “How long that baby was actually deceased, I couldn’t tell you. The child had been severely malnourished, who knows the last time that baby had a meal.”
Post-mortem examinations revealed the infant experienced malnutrition, dehydration, and starvation. The couple’s 13-month-old son, also residing in the home, was found in a similarly neglected state. Sheriff Mike., apparently shocked, commented, “Somehow, the boy found a way to eat and managed to survive.”
Apart from the murder charge, both parents are facing additional charges: a felony for cruelty to juveniles with force/violence and a misdemeanor for child desertion.
The state of their residence, as described by the sheriff’s office, was deplorable, displaying evident neglect. Children’s toys were scattered among refuse and debris. Sheriff Mike remarked, “I’ve seen wild animals take better care of their babies.” He attributed the tragedy to a mix of “drug abuse, poor parenting and neglect to the highest level.” Furthermore, Sheriff Mike noted that neither parent showed regret and both acknowledged their drug use.
Regarding the parents’ responses, Sheriff Mike said, “Both admitted that they treated the children poorly and [Chevy] blamed everyone but himself.” Chevy pointed fingers at his drug dealers, while Angel attributed her neglect to blackouts.
Currently, the couple’s son is under the care of child protective services. Sheriff Mike lamented the situation, stating, “You know, you’ve got people in this world that would love to have a baby that can’t have children. A stranger would have taken this child. Just to see a child deteriorate this way? It’s hard.”
