CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC (WCSC) – A Ladson mother has been charged by the Charleston County Sheriff's Office in connection with the death of her child in May.
Lexi Douglas, spokeswoman for the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, said Sara Shakeri-Taylor, 39, of Ladson, has been charged with child abuse.
The Charleston County Coroner has identified the toddler as 10-month-old Aminah Gathers.
Officials say this stems from a May 15 911 call in which they were called to a home in the 4400 block of Hardwood Street after an unresponsive infant was reported.
Shakeri-Taylor was at home with the baby's father, 41-year-old Sandy Sharron Gathers, who had already been arrested during that call. Douglas said at the time that a second person was also charged, but officials would not release that information.
Officers began life-saving measures on scene until fire and emergency services arrived. The toddler was taken to Summerville Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
An autopsy revealed no obvious injuries or cause of death for the baby, but a toxicology exam revealed that the baby had a large amount of fentanyl in her system. Her death was ruled a fentanyl overdose.
Officers collected evidence at the scene, including baby bottles, powdered milk and a pacifier, as well as a dollar bill with a powdered substance. This evidence was collected and sent to the South Carolina Department of Law Enforcement. Affidavits stated that all items tested positive for fentanyl.
“As a mother, it shocks me to see how careless and negligent people are with their children. This mother made a terrible decision and she is where she belongs,” said Sheriff Kristin Graziano. “The people of Charleston County should know that my officers are working hard to get people like this off the streets.”
“Aminah's death could have been prevented. She is the victim of a failed system, a fentanyl epidemic and unimaginable neglect by those responsible for her care. Aminah will not be forgotten as we seek justice for her and do everything we can to prevent this from happening to other children in our community,” said Coroner Bobbi Jo O'Neal.
Shakeri-Taylor was also charged with three counts of conspiracy, three counts of animal fighting or baiting, and one count of animal cruelty; these charges are similar to those against Gathers.
Affidavits detail the incident that day. Detectives said that when they arrived at the scene, Gathers said he had come home from work and found Shakeri-Taylor asleep and the baby lying motionless on her stomach at the foot of the bed.
While investigating this death, detectives found evidence of dog fighting, including tied and caged pit bulls, as well as photographic and video evidence of the crimes, which led to the additional charges.
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