Michigan – A Michigan man was ordered to serve up to fifteen years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse in connection with his baby’s death two years ago. Prosecutors say the defendant and his partner, later identified as 30-year-old Ladisha, who is facing the same charges as him, are responsible for the baby’s death.
During the investigation process, the 6-month-old baby, Faitth, died of asphyxiation. Prosecutors claim the defendant smothered his child following a night of drinking and using drugs. The investigation process began in December 2023 after the defendant called 911 and told the dispatcher that his baby wasn’t breathing.
First responders rushed the baby to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. During an interview with investigators, the victim’s mom reportedly admitted to drinking alcohol and falling asleep on the sofa with her baby. The victim’s dad reportedly admitted to drinking at least 10 large beers before falling asleep.
Both parents also confessed to smoking marljuana that night. During the investigation process, authorities obtained a surveillance video from the couple’s camera which captured the fatal incident.
In the video, the victim’s mom can be seen holding the baby before falling while her child falls out of her arms on the sofa. The defendant then rolled on the sofa and smothered his baby to death. Several minutes later, the victim’s mom woke up, searched the baby for a second and then left the room. The woman went to the bedroom and fell asleep again, not waking up until her husband called 911.
The victim’s 30-year-old mom is facing the same charges and her trial will begin next week, court records say. The medical examiner told authorities that the baby’s cause of death was asphyxiation.