Florida Judge Sent Two Kids in Aunt’s Custody as Mom had Severe Addiction Problems; Both Arrested after Infant found Dead in Mother’s Home
According to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, two women are facing charges in relation to the tragic death of an infant in Avon Park.
Two individuals, Sabrina Denise Watson, 28, and Gwendolyn L. Wyche, 49, have been charged in connection with the tragic death of a baby on May 4.
Deputies swiftly arrived at a residence on Lake Avenue in response to an alarming incident involving an unresponsive baby.
Following Watson’s history of drug use, the baby and one of her siblings, aged 2, were taken away from her and placed under the custody of Wyche. Watson’s parents were given custody of another sibling, a 4-year-old. A court order has been issued stating that the children are not permitted to reside with Watson, and only supervised visitations are allowed.
During the night of May 3, it was discovered that Wyche entrusted Watson with the care of the infant and the 2-year-old, allowing her to take her own children skating. According to deputies, Wyche made a promise to return and collect the children, but failed to follow through.
According to the sheriff’s office, Watson had left the children alone in the home at one point during the night and had engaged in drug use. They also mentioned that the condition of the home was extremely unclean, with windows blocked by wood and cardboard, exposed electrical outlets, and a lack of running water.
Officials reported that during sleep, Watson unintentionally rolled onto the baby, resulting in her inability to breathe.
Officials have announced that the child’s death has been determined to be a “accidental overlay” by a medical examiner.
Watson faces charges related to the tragic death of a child, as well as allegations of child neglect and possession of illegal substances. Wyche faces charges of child neglect as reported by WFLA News.
Angeline and William Watson, the parents of Watson, faced charges of child neglect after leaving their 4-year-old child in the care of Sabrina, which went against a court order.
