Tricia K. Cavanaugh, a 34-year-old woman from Muncie, Indiana, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for the neglect of her 4-month-old daughter, resulting in serious bodily injury. Cavanaugh had taken a combination of drugs before breastfeeding her baby, falling asleep next to her and ultimately causing her death. The Indiana Department of Child Services found several drugs in Cavanaugh’s system when they performed a saliva test. It was also revealed that Child Services had previously warned Cavanaugh about the dangers of sleeping with a child, as a 2-month-old had been removed from her care earlier.
The incident occurred on June 9, 2016, when police found the unconscious baby in Cavanaugh’s home. Despite efforts to save her, the baby later died at the hospital. During her sentencing hearing, Cavanaugh referred to herself as a “super mom,” to which the judge responded skeptically.
Delaware County Prosecutor Eric M. Hoffman expressed his disappointment in the case, emphasizing the importance of safe sleep practices for infants. He urged parents and caregivers to follow the ABC’s of safe sleep: babies should always sleep alone, on their backs, and in a safe crib. Hoffman commended the prosecutors involved in the case for their dedication to seeking justice for the infant. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of neglect and unsafe practices when it comes to caring for young children.
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