A West Virginia mother has been charged after authorities say she woke to find her 4-month-old daughter dead or near death and attempted to prevent anyone from calling 911 because of drugs inside the home, according to court documents.
Background
Jonda Marie Whitt, 35, was arrested following an incident in Mingo County, located in southwestern West Virginia. According to a criminal complaint reviewed by local media, Whitt told investigators she had fallen asleep around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday and woke approximately 90 minutes later to check on her infant daughter.
Whitt reportedly told authorities that when she checked on the child, the baby was warm but not moving. The complaint states that Whitt allegedly admitted to using fentanyl before waking to find her daughter unresponsive.
A man called 911 around 2 a.m., telling dispatchers he had learned about an infant's death. He said his daughter had overheard a call between Whitt and another person in which Whitt stated her 4-month-old was dead, the complaint alleges.
The Investigation
First responders arrived at the home in Mingo County and found the infant with "the infant's color of the skin being very pale" and "rigor mortis that was in the infant's extremities," according to the criminal complaint cited by regional NBC affiliate WSAZ. Paramedics believed the child was dead as she was rushed to an area hospital.
During the investigation, officers searched Whitt and her home. Authorities say they discovered a plastic baggie containing a white powdery substance concealed inside Whitt's bra - in the same area where the baby had been laying nearby, according to court documents.
Whitt allegedly told someone not to call emergency services because she had drugs and illegal substances inside the residence, the complaint states.
The Charges
Whitt has been charged with child neglect causing death and possession with intent to deliver, the Williamson Daily News reported. She remains held at the Southwestern Regional Jail and Correctional Facility on a $500,000 bond. Law&Crime confirmed jail records through the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Key Takeaways
- Jonda Marie Whitt, 35, has been charged with child neglect causing death and possession with intent to deliver
- The incident occurred in Mingo County, West Virginia
- Officers allegedly found drugs concealed inside Whitt's bra near where the infant was laying
- Authorities say Whitt admitted to using fentanyl before finding her daughter unresponsive
- She is being held on $500,000 bond at Southwestern Regional Jail
What's Next
Whitt is awaiting further court proceedings. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to build their case. Additional details may emerge as the matter proceeds through Mingo County courts.