Alvetta Juanita Haskins, 51, was sentenced Friday to at least 12 years and nine months in prison for fatally poisoning her infant granddaughter with adult prescription medication, ending a case that prosecutors said highlighted the deadly dangers of giving babies adult drugs.
Background
The tragic incident occurred in April 2024 when Haskins was babysitting her twin grandchildren, including her 3-month-old granddaughter Skylar, at an apartment she shared with her boyfriend on Suburban Parkway in Norfolk. According to The Virginian-Pilot, Haskins had been prescribed Seroquel for anxiety and depression. Prosecutors from the Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney's Office alleged that at some point during that night, she added her prescription antipsychotic medication along with cough syrup into Skylar's baby bottle to quiet the infant.
Sometime after midnight, Haskins woke up to check on the babies and found Skylar limp with vomit on her face. She called 911 and attempted CPR, but paramedics were unable to save the child. Skylar was taken to the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, where she was later pronounced dead.
A toxicology report released in July 2024 revealed the girl's cause of death was Seroquel. Her blood also showed the presence of an over-the-counter antihistamine commonly used to relieve cold symptoms. In November 2024, law enforcement conducted a second interview with Haskins, during which prosecutors said she failed to mention administering any medication.
The Charges
In January, following a third interview with investigators, Haskins was arrested and charged. She subsequently pleaded guilty in November 2025 to one count of felony homicide. Norfolk Circuit Court Judge Jamilah LeCruise sentenced her Friday to 30 years with 17 years and three months suspended, meaning she will serve at least 12 years and nine months behind bars before becoming eligible for release.
During the sentencing hearing, Haskins tearfully addressed the court, claiming the medication was accidental. "I wish I could take it all back but I can't," she said. "That was my family, my blood. I didn't know it was the wrong medication till the detective and my daughter told me so." She also elaborated that she had been arguing with her boyfriend while administering the medications and kept all her prescriptions in the same bottle.
Defense attorneys maintained their client did not remember giving the medication initially and insisted the act was unintentional. Haskins claimed at one point she believed Skylar had a stuffy nose and lacked any children's Tylenol, so she thought she was mixing adult Tylenol with powdered baby formula — though that was not what she had actually mixed.
Key Takeaways
- Haskins pleaded guilty to felony homicide in November 2025 before being sentenced Friday by Norfolk Circuit Court Judge Jamilah LeCruise
- The 3-month-old victim, Skylar, died after being fed Seroquel — an antipsychotic medication prescribed to Haskins for anxiety and depression
- Prosecutors alleged Haskins added the prescription drug along with cough syrup to quiet the infant during a night of babysitting
- A toxicology report confirmed Seroquel as the cause of death, with antihistamine also present in the child's blood
- Haskins claimed it was an accident and she did not realize at first that she had given the wrong medication
What's Next
Haskins will begin serving her sentence immediately. She is expected to serve at least 12 years and nine months before becoming eligible for conditional release, though prosecutors indicated they may pursue additional oversight measures upon any future parole consideration.
"Regardless of the sentence I pronounce, her granddaughter will never be able to enjoy life," Judge LeCruise stated while delivering the ruling.