Two parents are behind bars for the death of their 4-month-old South Carolina baby from cocaine ingestion, both from Prosperity, were arrested for murder, child abuse and unlawful behavior toward a child.
4-month-old South Carolina boy dies of cocaine ingestion
According to Sheriff Lee Foster, Brady Lynden Browns, 18, and Mary Catherine Besenbaugh, 17, both of Prosperity, were arrested for murder, child abuse and unlawful behavior toward a child.
Officers say they responded to a rescue in Prosperity, Newberry County, on May 2 for a 4-month-old infant who was unable to breathe and unresponsive.
The child was transported to Newberry Hospital and pronounced dead.
Because this death was of a child 17 years of age or younger, multiple offices were notified to investigate the case.
Authorities say toxicology hearings have shown during the examination that the child had measurable cocaine in his body.
Subsequent toxicology testing resulted in the bottles containing quantities of cocaine.
Results of the investigation give guilt to his parents
As a result of the investigation, authorities say both parents have undergone drug tests that were positive for cocaine, fentanyl and marijuana.
Following the completion of the death investigation which includes an autopsy and meetings with multiple agencies. Newberry County Coroner Laura Kneece ruled the manner of the baby’s death a homicide.
Authorities say the baby died due to a “sudden and unexpected infant death associated with the recent ingestion of cocaine.”
Wearn and Bedenbaugh are being held at the Newberry County Detention Center pending a bond hearing scheduled for June 24.
