Two parents are behind bars after the death of their 4-month-old infant, officials say.
According to Sheriff Lee Foster, Brady Lynden Wearn, 18, and Mary Catherine Bedenbaugh, 17, both of Prosperity were arrested for homicide by child abuse and unlawful conduct toward a child.
Deputies say EMS and Rescue responded on May 2 for a 4-month-old not breathing and unresponsive.
The infant was taken to Newberry Hospital and was pronounced dead.
Officials say toxicology reports during the investigation showed the infant had measurable levels of cocaine in the body. Further toxicology tests yielded amounts of cocaine in the feeding bottles. As a result of the investigation, officials say both parents submitted to a drug screen, which tested positive for cocaine, fentanyl and marijuana.
Newberry County Coroner Laura Kneece ruled the manner of the infant’s death a homicide.
Officials say the infant died due to, “sudden unexpected infant death associated with recent cocaine ingestion.”
Sheriff: 4-month-old dies in SC from cocaine ingestion, cocaine also found in bottles
Brady Lynden Wearn, 18, and Mary Catherine Bedenbaugh, 17, charged in death
