A Missouri mom accused of placing her 1-month-old baby in an oven, resulting in the infant’s death, now faces an additional charge of first-degree involuntary manslaughter.
The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office initially charged Mariah Thomas with first-degree endangering the welfare of a child following the February 9 incident. Court documents reveal that the new charge was filed after further investigation into the tragic case.
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According to a redacted probable cause statement, Kansas City Police officers responded to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive baby. Upon arrival, officers discovered the infant had suffered severe burn injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The baby’s great-grandfather told authorities that Thomas claimed she had “accidentally put her in the oven” while attempting to lay her down for a nap. He immediately contacted emergency services and handed the child over to first responders.
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The affidavit describes the scene in harrowing detail, noting the baby’s clothing appeared to have melted onto her diaper, and investigators found a baby blanket with extensive burn marks.
Thomas remains in custody at the Jackson County Detention Center as she awaits further legal proceedings.
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