SOUTH CAROLINA — A Pee Dee woman is facing charges after a 4-month-old baby drowned in a bathtub, according to police documents.
Florence Police said 35-year-old Ieshia Ford has been charged with unlawful child neglect and murder by child abuse in connection with the incident.
Investigators said the drowning happened in December at a home on Waverly Avenue, where Ford was the baby’s only caretaker at the time.
According to warrants, Ford told officers the baby fell into the bathtub but was quickly taken out. However, first responders reported seeing large amounts of water coming from the baby’s airway during resuscitation efforts, indicating the infant had been submerged for an extended period of time.
Police also said Ford appeared to be under the influence of drugs while speaking with investigators.
Authorities said blood tests later showed Ford had Benadryl and Xanax in her system, and she admitted to taking the medications to help herself sleep.
Documents also state that a 2-year-old child was in the home at the time and that open medicine bottles were found in the bathroom within reach.
The investigation is ongoing.
