Arkansas mother charged with violent crimes in son’s death

On Behalf of | Aug 23, 2018 | Violent Crimes |

For a parent, perhaps nothing is worse than losing a child. However, being charged in his or her murder may run a close second. An Arkansas mother is currently facing violent crimes charges related to the death of her infant son. 

Authorities were first notified of an unresponsive boy in early Dec. 2017. It is not clear who called 911 at the time. When emergency responders showed up to the 36-year-old woman’s apartment they claim that she was intoxicated and that her 10-month-old son was in bad condition. Although they initially transported him to an area hospital, he was later flown to a children’s hospital. He died days later. 

Local police launched an investigation into the boy’s death soon after. An autopsy indicated that he suffered trauma to his brain, which might indicate that he was shaken. Medical authorities also noted that he appeared malnourished, and a toxicology report found methamphetamines in his system. The investigation led police to arrest the mother in Aug. 2018, charging her with endangering a minor’s welfare and second-degree murder. At last update she was still in police custody. 

Violent crimes charges often have severe criminal consequences, such as steep fines and lengthy prison sentences. Defendants in Arkansas may feel understandably overwhelmed at this prospect, but they are not without options. Early and careful criminal defense action can help minimize the impact of such charges. Negotiating a plea deal in exchange for lesser charges is the best option for some defendants, while others can achieve the best possible outcome through fighting the charges to their fullest extent.