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A Kansas City woman, Mariah Thomas, is facing charges after putting her 1-month old baby in an oven instead of a crib.
PEOPLE reports that Mariah Thomas is now facing involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with her baby’s death. The Jackson County Prosecutor announced on February 10 that Thomas has received charges of child death and first-degree child endangerment.
Michael Mansur, the communications director and Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker shared updates on the case. They explained that Mariah admitted that she intended to put her 1-month-old down for a nap but accidentally put the baby in a hot oven.
Per, The Kansas City Star Mariah’s 1-month-old died on February 9 in a Manheim Park home in Kansas City. Kansas City police responded to a “non-breathing infant” call just before 1:30 p.m. back in February. Court documents reveal that responders noticed that the baby had apparent burns and melted clothing.
PEOPLE shared that Thomas called an unidentified adult to report her alleged mistake, court documents say. I thought I put in her crib and I accidentally put her in the oven, Thomas reportedly explained. The unidentified person had been away when Thomas called hysterically about the baby.
In an official press release, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker praised the first responders and prosecutors for their diligent efforts. We appreciate all first responders who worked this scene and the prosecutors who went to the scene in order to issue these charges,” Baker said.
Additionally, Baker expressed heartbreak over the infant’s tragic death.
We acknowledge the gruesome nature of this tragedy and our hearts are weighted by the loss of this precious life. We trust the criminal justice system to respond appropriately to these awful circumstances.”
According to The Kansas City Star, Mariah Thomas remains in custody on a $100,000 bond. Her trial is reportedly set for January 13, 2025. At this time, she has pleaded not guilty in the case.
