FLORIDA — A Florida mother has been arrested after investigators determined her infant died from toxic levels of methamphetamine, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
Emergency personnel responded to a home in Alachua County on May 19 after a 911 call reported that an infant was not breathing. First responders began lifesaving efforts and transported the child to a hospital, where the infant was pronounced dead.
During the initial investigation, detectives and representatives from the Florida Department of Children and Families searched the residence and found small amounts of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, authorities said.
Weeks later, toxicology results from the Medical Examiner’s Office revealed the infant had toxic levels of methamphetamine in their system. Investigators determined the drug exposure caused the child’s death.
On June 10, detectives executed a second search warrant at the home shared by the child and the mother, identified as Rebecca Morris, to gather additional forensic evidence.
Following an interview later that day, Morris was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child. She was booked into the Alachua County Jail.
Officials have not released the infant’s age or said how long the child may have been exposed to the drug.
“This is a heartbreaking case involving the loss of a child whose life was cut tragically short,” Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott said. “Our detectives conducted a thorough and deliberate investigation to ensure accountability in this case. We remain committed to seeking justice for this child and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
