A Kansas City woman has been charged with involuntary manslaughter following the tragic death of her newborn earlier this year in an incident she claims was an accident.
Mariah Thomas, 26, allegedly placed her 1-month-old infant in a smoldering oven instead of a crib, resulting in the child’s death.
The heartbreaking incident occurred on February 9 at a home in the Manheim Park neighborhood. Kansas City police responded to a call just before 1:30 p.m. reporting a “non-breathing infant.“
Court documents reveal the baby was found with apparent burns, and the infant’s clothing had partially melted.
Thomas initially told investigators she mistakenly placed the infant in the oven while attempting to put the child down for a nap.
An unidentified adult in the home received a “hysterical” phone call from Thomas and rushed home from work to discover the devastating scene.
Mariah Thomas was charged in February with first-degree child endangerment and the death of a child. Last week, a Jackson County grand jury added an involuntary manslaughter charge to the case, according to The Kansas City Star.
Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker acknowledged the severity of the situation in a press release.
“We acknowledge the gruesome nature of this tragedy and our hearts are weighted by the loss of this precious life. We trust the criminal justice system to respond appropriately to these awful circumstances,” Baker said.
Thomas has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Her trial is scheduled to begin on January 13, 2025.
This case has sent shockwaves through the Kansas City community, sparking conversations about child safety, mental health, and the need for preventative measures to avoid similar tragedies.
