Alabama authorities say a woman beat her infant son to death in a case filled with “horror.”
Morgan Thornton, 35, was initially charged with aggravated child abuse after Limestone County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered her infant son “severely beaten,” court records show. The charge was later elevated to capital murder after the child “tragically” died.
Deputies arrived at the 15000 block of Estate Drive in Athens just after midnight on Friday after receiving a “medical call involving an infant,” according to the sheriff’s department.
While the child initially showed “no signs of life,” first responders were able to detect a pulse and transport the baby to the hospital, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators quickly identified Thornton as a suspect, alleging that he was “responsible for the injuries.” She was arrested on Friday. Law enforcement said she “appeared to be intoxicated at the time,” so they took her blood sample.
Thornton appeared perplexed about what had happened, if her statements in court and to Huntsville-based NBC affiliate WAFF are to be believed.
When the judge overseeing the case informed her during a bond hearing on Friday that she was being charged for her son’s death, she reportedly said, “I don’t understand.” The defendant was eventually denied bond.
Noah Cowell, a WAFF reporter, asked the accused woman if she remembered anything from the night in question.
“I put my son to bed,” she explained. “I swaddled him and put him to bed at 7 o’clock, and then something happened.”
“Do you remember anything after that?” the reporter inquired.
“Tried to give him CPR,” she said. “That’s all.”
According to a neighbor interviewed by the TV station, they were stunned by the allegations against the mother.
“Please keep this family and everyone who responded to this heartbreaking scene in your prayers,” Limestone County Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin said in a release. “While the outcome is tragic, I am extremely proud of our deputies, firefighters, EMTs, hospital staff, and DHR workers for doing everything in their power to save this innocent child. Their dedication and compassion in the face of such horror exemplify the best aspects of public service.”
Thornton’s next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday. In Alabama, capital murder convictions may carry the death penalty.
