A Tennessee mother is facing murder charges in the death of a 7-month-old baby in Maryville, according to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the report, on the evening of March 28, deputies responded to a call about an unresponsive 7-month-old baby.
When deputies arrived, officers said they found the baby girl unresponsive. Medics with AMR then transported the baby to Blount Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
An autopsy reported that the baby girl had died from asphyxiation, officials said.
18-year-old Soniemy Benitez Melendez, who is the mother of the child, was taken into custody on a $500,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in Blount County General Sessions Court at 1:30 p.m. on April 3, 2023.
Another child, a 2-year-old, was taken into DCS custody and is with a family member.
Soniemy Benitez Melendez is charged with criminal homicide following the investigation, according to the release.
Deputies said that the investigation is still ongoing and additional charges could be added.
Tell us your thoughts...