MUNCIE, Ind. (Gray News) – A judge sentenced an Indiana woman to 16 years in prison for the death of her infant child.
The Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office says 34-year-old Tricia Cavanaugh pleaded guilty on Sept. 3 to neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury.
Muncie police found Cavanaugh’s 4-month-old baby unconscious at her home in June 2016. The baby was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital.
According to investigators, Cavanaugh took drugs before falling asleep with the infant in the same bed. She told police that she woke up that morning and the baby was facedown in the bed next to her.
At the sentencing hearing, Cavanaugh referred to herself as a “super mom,” but the judge disputed her comment.
“I am not so sure about that,” Delaware County Circuit Court Judge Douglas Mawhorr replied.
Parents and caregivers are urged to follow the “ABCs of safe sleep,” meaning infants or babies should sleep alone on their backs and in a safe crib.
“This case is a prime example of a needless death of an infant due unsafe sleep practices,” Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman said.
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